Minister suggests expanding Bluetongue control zone throughout Northern Ireland

A potential expansion of the bluetongue virus (BTV) control area across Northern Ireland may be necessary if additional infections are detected, according to Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir. Current testing has flagged 44 suspected cases within the same County Down herd where the first outbreak on the island of Ireland was reported over the weekend. A 20km containment zone is currently in place.

Muir expressed cautious optimism that no new infections would appear but acknowledged the viruss spread via midges. "If cases emerge outside the current zone, we will take appropriate measures, potentially extending the zone or creating a Northern Ireland-wide containment area," he stated during an interview on BBC's Good Morning Ulster.

He described the number of suspected cases as "very concerning" and noted that midges capable of transmitting the disease were found outside the affected animal housing, suggesting the virus may be present in the local midge population with a significant risk of wider spread.

The minister is scheduled to brief the agriculture committee at Stormont, emphasizing that the department is actively monitoring the situation. Measures include increased surveillance at abattoirs, which initially detected the outbreak, and ongoing monitoring of 20 large farms within the control zone as well as nearby farms. Midge traps have been deployed to better understand the local population and assess potential transmission risks.

William Irvine, President of the Ulster Farmers Union, indicated that testing is underway and more cases are "fairly likely." He urged farmers with concerns to consult private veterinarians for guidance tailored to their farms. He also noted the virus is significantly affecting regular farm operations.

However, Irvine praised government efforts, highlighting collaboration between the veterinary department and stakeholders to manage the outbreak effectively. "We are in a rapidly evolving situation, learning more about the disease and its impacts daily," he said.

Bluetongue virus can infect cattle, sheep, goats, deer, and camelids such as llamas and alpacas. Symptoms include mouth and facial ulcers, difficulty swallowing and breathing, fever, lameness, foetal deformities, and stillbirths. Being a notifiable disease, suspected cases must be reported to a veterinarian, local veterinary office, or directly to Daera.

The virus first emerged in the Netherlands in 2023, causing significant sheep mortality, and was carried by midges to livestock in southeast England. Regional impact varies, with some animals showing mild symptoms and recovering without intervention.

Author: Benjamin Carter