US EditionWarning After Suspected Bluetongue Virus Found in Two Cows in Co Down
DAERA imposed a 20km control zone after detecting bluetongue virus in two cows; over 260 premises are affected in England, raising concerns for livestock health and trade.
- DAERA's active surveillance detected Bluetongue virus in two cows on a holding near Bangor, prompting a 20km Temporary Control Zone from 9pm on November 29 to halt susceptible species movements.
- DAERA says Bluetongue spreads via biting midges, affecting cattle, sheep, goats, deer and camelids, with midges most active April–November; Brian Dooher, DAERA Chief Veterinary Officer, said the virus is unpredictable and spreads rapidly.
- DAERA has also suspended direct ruminant movements from Britain to Northern Ireland, allowed direct‑to‑slaughter moves under a general licence, and will boost on‑farm and Regional Veterinary Laboratories testing.
- DAERA Minister Andrew Muir urged compliance with restrictions and warned of trade, culling, and economic impacts, while expressing concern for the affected farm family and local farmers.
- DAERA says it is working closely with Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland under its Bluetongue Disease Control Framework launched in June, while full trade restoration depends on the UK regaining EU‑recognised disease‑free status.
14 Articles
14 Articles
Evening Standard
First suspected bluetongue outbreak in Northern Ireland under investigation
The disease is believed to be affecting two cows near Bangor, Co Down.
Dozens of cattle now affected by disease in Bangor - County Down Spectator
By Violet Brown BANGOR is at the centre of an Ireland-wide agricultural crisis after an outbreak of a deadly disease. Forty six dairy cows have now been identified with bluetongue that was first detected in two animals which were part of the Clandeboye Estate herd on the outskirts of the city on Friday. News that many more animals have been affected was revealed yesterday afternoon. Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir said the results of preliminar…
Bluetongue outbreak needs controlled – Kircubbin farmer - Newtownards Chronicle
By Violet Brown A PROMINENT local farmer has said the biggest fear facing the agriculture sector if bluetongue takes hold is the potential loss of export markets. With North Down at the centre of Ireland’s first bluetongue incident, Kircubbin farmer Sam Chesney said the discovery of two cows from a Bangor herd with the disease was ‘very worrying’ adding ‘it is imperative we get this under control’. It was a routine test on Friday on two dairy co…
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