IFA Briefing Note on BTV 3 (Bluetongue) Confirmation on Farm in Co Wexford

Issued 24th January 2026 at 1pm following meeting with Dept of Agriculture, Food & the Marine

• A case of BTV3 has been confirmed in routine slaughter surveillance in an animal from a farm in Wexford, the farm is located on the coast
  
• One other animal on the farm has tested positive
  
• Only the farm where the animals tested positive from is restricted from movement
  
• Tracing and further surveillance is taking place in the area
  
• DAFM have not implemented any movement restrictions on any other farms
  
• All other farms in the country can continue to move and market livestock as normal
  
• The lack of vector activity and low temperatures prevent spread of the disease at this time
  
• All marts and factories will continue to operate as normal
  
• Farmers should remain extremely vigilant and report any concerns to their PVP and/or local Department of Agriculture office and not move any animals if there is suspicion of the disease on the holding
  
• There is no food safety or human health implications from this disease
  
• There are no implications for meat or milk export markets
  
• Confirmation of BTV3 in the country does have some implications for the Live export trade depending on the country of destination
  
• All EU countries have arrangements in place and will continue to accept live animals from Ireland
  
• Some of these countries have no additional requirements for animals coming from BTV3 countries, others may require testing, vaccination, quarantine etc.
  
• DAFM has ensured a number of international trade certs have been amended to allow animals continue to be exported following confirmation of BTV 3 here
  
• There are still some international trade certs to be amended, these are currently being worked on
  
• Vaccines are approved for use in the country and are available
  
• Farmers wishing to vaccinate should contact their PVP to get approval from DAFM and source the vaccine
  
• IFA will be having further detailed discussions with DAFM Monday including on the specific requirements for each of or our export destinations

If you require any further information email Donal Callaghan at [email protected]

Issued by IFA Animal Health Committee

David Hall – IFA Animal Health Chair 

Tomas Bourke – Senior Policy Executive 

Donal Callaghan – Policy Executive