Northern Ireland reports second suspected bluetongue case

Further restrictions have been introduced following the detection of a second suspected bluetongue case in Northern Ireland.

A second, 20km temporary control zone (TCZ) came into force on Saturday evening (6 December), in response to the incident near Greyabbey, County Down.

Officials said a single cow was suspected of having the virus at the site, which lies within the TCZ introduced following the first reported case there a week earlier.

DAERA minister Andrew Muir said the implementation of the new zone was “an essential measure” as he urged farmers to follow movement restrictions.

Investigations continue

He added: “This suspect case serves as another reminder of why farmers need to be extra vigilant for clinical signs of bluetongue in their flocks or herds.

“As vets continue their investigations, I and my officials will continue to work closely with stakeholders in the agri-food industry, as well as our counterparts in the Irish, UK, Scottish and Welsh Governments as we respond to a rapidly evolving situation.”

Within the TCZs, farmers cannot move susceptible species on or off their lands, though they can move them direct to slaughter under a general licence.

A total of 218 bluetongue cases have been reported during the current virus season in England, with the latest being confirmed in Cornwall and Derbyshire on 3 December, plus 15 more in Wales.

The AHDB will hold its latest webinar on the virus this Wednesday 10 December, from 5pm.