Minister warns of 'serious consequences' for farmers if bluetongue spreads

The agriculture sector in Northern Ireland faces significant risks if the bluetongue virus (BTV-3) spreads, according to the regional Agriculture Minister. Transmitted by midges, the virus does not endanger public health or food safety but can severely impact cloven-hoofed animals, including sheep and cattle.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) reported that routine testing at a slaughterhouse detected the virus in two cows from a farm near Bangor, County Down. In response, a 20km Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) was established at 21:00 BST on Saturday.

Minister Andrew Muir emphasized the need for vigilance, urging farmers to promptly report any signs of infection and to isolate affected animals. He highlighted that while public health is not at risk, the outbreak could have serious consequences for the agricultural community and its economy.

Speaking on Good Morning Ulster, Muir encouraged vaccination, noting it is ultimately a personal choice for farmers. "Farmers with high-value livestock are the ones most likely to use the vaccine," he said, acknowledging that overall uptake has been low.

Local farmer Ian Buchanan, who raises sheep and dairy cattle near Dungiven, County Londonderry, described a sense of shock among the farming community. He expressed hope that the current cold weather and low midge activity would limit the spread of the virus. Buchanan voiced particular concern over the potential impact on sheep flocks, referencing recent European outbreaks where significant sheep mortality occurred.

William Irvine of the Ulster Farmers' Union expressed alarm over the development, stressing the vulnerability of sheep to the virus and the high mortality risk if it spreads. He noted that vaccination has been costly and not widely adopted but could now become critical given the virus's presence on the island.

The infected cows showed no clinical symptoms, and inspections of the remaining herd revealed no signs of illness. Movement of susceptible animals within the TCZ is restricted, except for direct transfers to slaughter under a general licence.

Minister Muir outlined enhanced measures, including increased testing at slaughterhouses, midge traps, and expanded surveillance on farms. Farmers in affected areas will receive notifications about the control zone to ensure rapid response and containment.

Bluetongue virus affects cattle, sheep, goats, deer, and camelids such as llamas and alpacas. Symptoms can include mouth and facial ulcers, difficulty swallowing and breathing, fever, lameness, and in some cases, fetal deformities and stillbirths. The latest European outbreak began in the Netherlands in 2023, resulting in large sheep losses and subsequent infections in livestock in southeastern England.

In July, Northern Ireland authorized pre-emptive vaccination in line with other UK regions. As a notifiable disease, any suspected cases must be reported to a veterinarian, local veterinary office, or directly to Daera. Midge activity, which is highest from April to November, and climatic conditions influence the virus's potential spread, with cooler temperatures lowering the risk.

England and Wales have recently updated bluetongue control zones to manage livestock movement, with testing requirements for cross-border transport affecting shows and trade. Northern Ireland farmers now have the option to vaccinate cattle against BTV-3 as authorities work to contain the outbreak.

Author: Sophia Brooks