Vigilance Needed Following Bluetongue Case
IFA Animal Health Chair David Hall has urged farmers to remain vigilant following confirmation of BTV-3 in an unvaccinated 16-month-old heifer in Co. Wexford. This is the first confirmed Irish case where infection occurred in 2026.
“The confirmation is concerning as we are now in the high midge activity season. Recent warm and damp weather has created ideal conditions for the midges that spread the disease,” the Animal Health Chair said.
“The recent increase in clinically sick cattle and sheep in the UK is particularly worrying and highlights the need for farmers here to monitor their animals closely and immediately report any suspected signs to their veterinary practitioner and the Department of Agriculture.”
David Hall said, “The very strong uptake of vaccination among farmers has significantly strengthened Ireland’s preparedness and will help protect susceptible animals and limit its impact on individual farms”.
