The first suspected outbreak of bluetongue virus in Northern Ireland has triggered swift action from agricultural authorities and left the region’s farming community on high alert. The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) confirmed on Saturday, November 29, 2025, that two cows near Bangor, County Down, are believed to be infected, marking the first time the disease has been detected on the island of Ireland. In response, Daera introduced a 20km Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) around the affected area, imposing strict movement restrictions on susceptible livestock species in a bid to contain any potential spread.
Bluetongue virus (BTV-3) is a disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, deer, llamas, and alpacas. According to BBC News, the virus is spread primarily by biting midges, which are most active from April to November. While the disease poses no risk to humans or food safety, it can have devastating effects on livestock, causing symptoms like fever, lameness, ulcers around the mouth and face, difficulties swallowing and breathing, reduced milk yield, foetal deformities, stillbirths, and in severe cases, death.
"While there was always a potential for bluetongue to arrive here, given its prevalence in GB and the EU, we must now do all we can to protect our livestock and limit the spread of the disease," said Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir in a statement issued Saturday evening. He stressed that all producers affected by the new control measures need to help limit the virus, adding, "In the face of these suspected cases, my officials are taking all the necessary steps to protect the agri-food industry." Muir also reassured the public, stating, "Members of the public should be reassured the virus does not have any impact on people or food safety."
The TCZ, which came into effect at 21:00 BST on Saturday, means that moving susceptible species in or out of the zone is now prohibited. The only exception is for animals going directly to slaughter, which is permitted under a general licence. Daera has urged everyone in the industry, particularly those within the control zone, to strictly adhere to the restrictions. As the department investigates further, officials are working closely with stakeholders in both the UK and the Republic of Ireland to coordinate their response efforts.
Chief Veterinary Officer Brian Dooher highlighted the unpredictability and rapid transmission potential of the virus. "The virus is unpredictable and can spread rapidly through and between flocks and herds," Dooher said. He encouraged farmers to source their animals responsibly and to remain vigilant for any signs of the disease. Symptoms must be reported immediately to a vet, local divisional veterinary office, or the Daera helpline. "The spread of bluetongue could have a significant impact on livestock and the rural economy. Furthermore, all livestock owners should remain vigilant for signs of the disease," he warned.
The emergence of bluetongue in Northern Ireland follows a series of outbreaks elsewhere in Europe. The current strain, BTV-3, first appeared in the Netherlands in 2023, where it led to the deaths of tens of thousands of sheep. From there, midges blown over from the continent carried the virus to south-east England. According to Daera, the first case of BTV-3 in England since early March 2024 was confirmed in one sheep in Norfolk on August 26, 2024. Since then, more than 260 premises in England have been affected. The direct movement of all ruminants and camelids from Britain to Northern Ireland is now suspended until the UK regains its EU-recognised disease-free status for bluetongue.
Vaccination against bluetongue has been permitted in Northern Ireland since July 2025, bringing it in line with the rest of the UK. This move was made in anticipation of the disease’s arrival, as experts had warned that an outbreak seemed inevitable. The disease is notifiable, meaning anyone who suspects their animals may be infected must report it to a vet, local divisional veterinary office, or Daera directly. The department has also noted that the potential for spread depends on climatic conditions and wind patterns, with colder temperatures significantly reducing the risk.
The impact of BTV-3 has varied across regions. While some animals show little sign of infection and recover, others—particularly sheep—have experienced high mortality rates. The hope among officials and farmers alike is that the combination of tight movement restrictions and the onset of colder weather will help limit any potential spread of the disease in Northern Ireland.
Irish Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon expressed his concern for the affected farm family and the broader farming community. "The news of a suspect bluetongue outbreak in Northern Ireland is unwelcome. My thoughts are first and foremost with the affected farm family, and those farmers in the locality who will be worried about their own herds now," Heydon stated. He emphasized the potential for serious consequences if the disease becomes established: "If the disease becomes established in one part of the island, it will be that much easier for it to spread, with consequences for animal health and welfare, and financial and emotional stress for farmers." Heydon also underscored the importance of cross-border cooperation, saying, "I will be engaging closely with Minister Muir on this and ensuring that we continue to take a collaborative and supportive approach, building on the very close relationships already in place on animal disease control north and south."
The outbreak comes at a challenging time for the agri-food sector, which is already contending with rising costs, impending taxation changes, and other disease threats. According to BBC News NI’s agriculture correspondent Louise Cullen, "Bluetongue virus is one element of a triple threat of animal diseases that, earlier this year, the agriculture environment and rural affairs minister warned the agri-food industry faced." She added that while the virus does not affect people or food safety, it could have a significant impact on livestock and the rural economy.
For now, the focus remains on vigilance, strict adherence to movement restrictions, and ongoing surveillance. Farmers are being urged to report any suspected cases immediately and to source animals only from reputable suppliers. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Northern Ireland can prevent bluetongue from gaining a foothold or whether the region will face a broader outbreak similar to those seen elsewhere in Europe.
As authorities and farmers work together to contain the threat, the agricultural community is bracing for what could be a testing winter. The outcome will depend on the effectiveness of the control measures, the cooperation of all stakeholders, and perhaps a little help from the colder weather in keeping the midges—and the virus they carry—at bay.
