LAST UPDATE | 4 hrs ago

AN OUTBREAK OF bluetongue has been confirmed in a herd of cattle in Co Wexford. 

Minister for Agriculture and Food Martin Heydon said the BTV3 outbreak was detected by routine ongoing surveillance by the Department. 

“This is unwelcome news but unfortunately it is not surprising, given the spread of this virus across Europe, Great Britain and recently Northern Ireland,” Heydown said.

“I want to express my sympathy to the affected farmer at this difficult time.”

Bluetongue is a viral disease affecting cattle, sheep and other ruminants and is spread primarily by midges.

It does not infect or affect humans and poses no risk to public health or food safety.

The virus can only replicate when average daily temperatures exceed 12 degrees, meaning the summer months represent the main risk period.

Heydon said the recent drop in temperatures means that infection is unlikely to spread widely at the current time, adding that investigations are ongoing with additional sampling taking place.

He said the outbreak “will have an impact on exports of cattle and sheep, with additional costs and logistical issues required in order to comply with the rules set by the countries of destination”. 

“In respect of meat and dairy products, there are no implications for exports to the EU, UK and to most of our international markets.”

He said the Department has been negotiating revisions to many trade certs for third countries “so that the impact of any outbreak would be minimised, and that work will continue after this news”.

In December, Heydon confirmed that vaccines for bluetongue in cattle and sheep would be rolled out across the country this year after four outbreaks were confirmed in Northern Ireland. 

“I encourage cattle and sheep farmers to discuss with their private veterinary practitioner whether vaccination is appropriate for their circumstances,” he said. 

President of the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) Francie Gorman said the outbreak is very disappointing and vigilance is needed across the sector.

While investigations are ongoing, restrictions only apply to the farm in question, he added, meaning farmers can continue to market animals within the country while exercising vigilance.