Suspected bluetongue cases found at fourth farm in Northern Ireland

Suspected cases of bluetongue have been identified at a fourth farm in Northern Ireland.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) announced on Tuesday evening that two further suspected bluetongue cases are under investigation at a farm in Co Down.

This takes the total number of suspected infected premises to four.

Bluetongue was first confirmed in a herd at a separate farm near Bangor last month, and there have been other suspected cases in Greyabbey.

Bluetongue is an animal disease that affects livestock including cattle and sheep as well as goats, deer and llamas.

It does not affect humans or food safety and is primarily transmitted through midges.

The National Reference Laboratory confirmed the bluetongue virus (BTV) in the first Greyabbey case, reported on December 6, and the case on a farm near the site of the original outbreak near Bangor, initially reported on December 11.

Following veterinary assessment of the latest suspect case, a decision has been taken that a further extension of the temporary control zone (TCZ) is not required.

Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir 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.”

Chief veterinary officer Brian Dooher 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.”