First Northern Ireland cases of BTV-3 this season confirmed as farmers urged to remain vigilant
Friday 13 November 2026
Bluetongue virus has been detected in three sheep on a farm in County Down, marking the first confirmed cases of the BTV-3 strain in Northern Ireland this season.
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has urged livestock farmers across Northern Ireland to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases immediately.
Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir confirmed the cases on Friday evening (13 November), but officials have said no additional livestock movement restrictions or disease control zones will be introduced in response.
The disease can affect sheep, cattle and other animals, but officials have reassured the public that it poses no risk to human health or food safety.
Minister urges farmers to remain vigilant
Minister Muir said the confirmation was disappointing but not unexpected, given the spread of BTV-3 across Great Britain and Ireland during the current season.
He said:
“While it is disappointing to see this confirmed case of BTV-3 in Northern Ireland, it is not unexpected, given the spread of BTV-3 across Great Britain and Ireland this season. Continued vigilance and strict biosecurity measures remain of paramount importance and I would once again urge all farmers to report any suspicion of disease to DAERA.
“It is important that I reiterate that Bluetongue poses no threat to public health nor to food safety – milk and meat are safe to consume.”
How Bluetongue spreads among livestock
Bluetongue is a viral disease affecting ruminants, including sheep, cattle, goats and deer. Llamas and alpacas can also be affected.
The virus is primarily transmitted through the bites of infected midges, rather than through ordinary contact between animals.
Midges are most active between April and November, with the virus requiring temperatures above approximately 12°C to 15°C to replicate inside the insects.
As temperatures fall during winter and early spring, the likelihood of further spread through midges generally decreases. However, farmers are still being encouraged to watch for signs of disease in their animals.
No new movement restrictions or control zones
Northern Ireland's Chief Veterinary Officer, Brian Dooher, confirmed that the latest cases would not trigger additional disease control measures.
He explained that BTV-3 had already been confirmed in Northern Ireland in November 2025, meaning the latest detection is not the first occurrence of the strain here.
Mr Dooher said:
“As BTV-3 was confirmed in Northern Ireland in November 2025, further disease control measures such as movement restrictions and disease control zones will not be applied in response to this case.”
He also confirmed that surveillance is continuing at abattoirs, alongside testing of susceptible animals imported from mainland European Union countries.
“I would encourage farmers to be extra vigilant for any signs of the virus in their flocks or herds and report any suspect cases to DAERA. Active surveillance is ongoing at abattoirs alongside post-import testing of susceptible animals imported from mainland EU countries. I also want to stress the importance of safe and responsible sourcing of animals.”
Advice for farmers and livestock keepers
Farmers across Ballymena, Mid and East Antrim and the wider Northern Ireland agricultural community are being encouraged to remain alert to the disease and maintain appropriate biosecurity measures.
Any livestock keeper who suspects Bluetongue in their animals should report their concerns to DAERA without delay.
• DAERA helpline: 0300 200 7840
• Local veterinary support: Contact your Divisional Veterinary Office or DAERA Direct Regional Office
• Regional office contact details: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/contacts/daera-direct-regional-offices
• Bluetongue disease information and updates: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/bluetongue-situation-northern-ireland
• DAERA Bluetongue Disease Control Framework: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/bluetongue-disease-control-framework
The latest confirmation is a reminder that BTV-3 remains a concern for Northern Ireland's livestock industry, despite the reduced likelihood of midge-borne transmission during colder weather.
For farmers, the immediate message is to remain alert, report suspected disease promptly and source animals responsibly, while the wider public can be reassured that Bluetongue does not affect the safety of meat or milk.
