New cases of bluetongue found in Wexford, Wicklow and Kildare
Three suspect animals in three separate herds have tested positive for bluetongue virus (BTV-3), the Irish Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine (DAFM) has confirmed.
These herds are located in counties Wexford, Wicklow and Kildare, on the east coast. The animals exhibited various clinical signs and for this reason were tested.
The confirmed cases on bluetongue in Ireland this season now total five, following the first case in early September in an unvaccinated heifer in Co. Wexford.
The second confirmed case involved an unvaccinated cow in a Kildare herd that developed clinical signs including abortion.
DAFM said: “If you have any concern that one of your animals has bluetongue, do not delay in taking action.
“Isolate the suspect animal(s) indoors immediately and report the case to the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine.
“Farmers, veterinary practitioners, and other relevant stakeholders should remain vigilant for bluetongue transmission.”
English cases
Since the beginning of July 2026, there has been an increase in confirmed cases BTV-3 in cattle and sheep in England, including cases involving significant clinical signs.
Livestock owners are advised to remain vigilant for signs of bluetongue and to consult their private veterinary practitioner regarding vaccination.
It takes approximately six weeks for cattle and three weeks for sheep to develop full immunity following vaccination.
Recently, Dr. Avril Hobson, senior superintending veterinary inspector with the National Disease Control Centre talked to Agriland about the situation in the UK.
She noted that Wales and south-west England in particular are experiencing a "significant number of cases".
"The infection pressure over in England and Wales is much higher than it was this time last year.
"There's a much higher population of infected midges, so if the wind conditions are correct and blowing in that north-west direction, then there's more infection pressure being blown across to infect animals.
"So probably the risk is higher this year than last year for those reasons," she said.
Dr. Hobson added that the number of cases found is "really related to the number of cases that are notified".
