US EditionFurther bluetongue cases confirmed in Co Down herd
The BTV-3 strain of bluetongue virus was confirmed in a Co Down herd, prompting a 20km control zone and ongoing testing by Northern Ireland's agriculture department.
- On Friday, Northern Ireland's Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs said further suspected cases were confirmed in a herd of cows near Bangor, County Down.
- Officials emphasised Bluetongue virus affects livestock including cattle, sheep, goats, deer and llamas, does not affect humans or food safety, and midges are the primary transmission route.
- Samples analysed at the National Reference Laboratory confirmed the BTV-3 strain in the herd near Bangor, and a Daera spokesperson said testing continues on farms within the temporary control zone.
- Officials said a temporary control zone remains in place, and Andrew Muir warned a wider exclusion zone may be considered if more cases are found, while David Kyle said there is no intention to cull animals.
- Officials urged vigilance and reporting, as testing continues on nearby farms, keeping pressure on local veterinary services while farmers outside the TCZ notify their vet, local divisional veterinary office or ring the Daera helpline.
18 Articles
18 Articles
Evening Standard
Further bluetongue cases confirmed in Co Down herd
Northern Ireland’s department of agriculture said testing of livestock on nearby farms is continuing.
New suspected Bluetongue case detected as DAERA extends control measures
A new suspected case of Bluetongue has been identified on a farm near Greyabbey, prompting the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) to impose a second 20km Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) in Co Down. The case was detected during routine surveillance testing within the existing TCZ, established on 29 November 2025 around a holding near Bangor where the Bluetongue BTV-3 virus was first discovered. According to DAERA, the l…
Market access a priority in light of bluetongue – LMC
With the presence of bluetongue (BTV-3) now confirmed in Northern Ireland (NI), the Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC) is urging beef and lamb producers to exercise vigilance. LMC chief executive, Colin Smith has said: “Foremost, it is concerning news that suspected presence of bluetongue has been found in a further 44 cattle in the Co. Down herd. “We appreciate the level of concern and uncertainty this has created within the agri-food industry…
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