Fourth suspected Bluetongue case under DAERA investigation

A fourth suspected case of Bluetongue virus is under investigation in Co Down, after DAERA confirmed two further suspect infections in cattle during ongoing surveillance within Temporary Control Zones (TCZs).

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs said the latest suspected cases were identified in two cattle on a second farm near Greyabbey, bringing the total number of premises with suspected infection to four.

The development follows confirmation by the National Reference Laboratory that the Bluetongue virus (BTV) was present in the first Greyabbey case, initially reported on 6 December, as well as in a case on a farm near the site of the original outbreak close to Bangor, first reported on 11 December.

Despite the emergence of the latest suspected case, DAERA has confirmed that no further extension of the existing Temporary Control Zones is required following veterinary assessment.

Minister: ‘Disappointing but not a surprise’

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir acknowledged the concerns facing farmers, but said the discovery was expected given the scale of testing now under way.

He said:

“The emergence of a fourth suspect case during surveillance testing is disappointing but will not come as a surprise given the scale of the testing undertaken by the Department.

“Bluetongue is an unpredictable virus that can be spread rapidly by midges through and between flocks and herds. It is important to reiterate that BTV poses no human health risk or food safety concern but it does impact cloven hoofed animals like cattle, sheep, goats, deer, llamas and alpacas.

“While we are now in the vector inactive period with the winter weather limiting the ability of midges to spread the virus, it is vital farmers and vets familiarise themselves with the symptoms and remain on their guard over the coming months for clinical signs of the disease.

“Herd keepers and flock owners who suspect an outbreak should report any symptoms immediately to their vet, local Divisional Veterinary Office or to the DAERA helpline on 0300 200 7840.”

Movement restrictions under review

DAERA’s Chief Veterinary Officer Brian Dooher said officials are continuing to work closely with industry representatives and other jurisdictions to ease restrictions where possible, while maintaining disease control.

He said:

“Following the decision to relax restrictions on the movement of animals to Saintfield Market from today, veterinary officials are continuing to work with industry and with our counterparts in other jurisdictions to relieve the restrictions on non-infected premises in the TCZ, while also working with those who have had infections.

“That is where our focus is right now and we hope to be in a position in the coming days to make further progress.”

Ongoing surveillance and wider context

Bluetongue virus BTV-3 was first detected in the Netherlands in September 2023 and has since spread across parts of Europe, with the disease confirmed in eastern England in November 2023.

DAERA continues to publish updated guidance, maps and general licences to help farmers identify whether they are affected by the control zones and understand what animal movements are permitted.

DAERA’S Disease Control Framework for Northern Ireland (NI) for Bluetongue virus (BTV-3) can be accessed at: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/bluetongue-disease-control-framework. 

The General Licence for the movement of animals into the Temporary Control Zones (TCZs) can be accessed at: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/bluetongue-general-licences.

The TCZ declaration in Co Down issued by DAERA can be accessed at: Declaration | Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. This contains maps of both 20km TCZs to enable farmers to confirm whether they are impacted.

All General Licences available in relation to the Bluetongue incursion in Northern Ireland can be viewed and downloaded for use at: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/bluetongue-general-licences

Information and advice on BTV-3, including the clinical signs can be accessed at: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/bluetongue.

BTV-3 was first detected in the Netherlands in September 2023 and has spread across Europe since then with confirmation of the disease in the east of England coming in November 2023.