Bluetongue has yet to reach Northern Ireland this season, but the threat from Great Britain is growing
Northern Ireland farmers are being urged to stay vigilant as BTV-3 cases across the UK rise to 593, although no cases have yet been confirmed in the region this season.
The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) has warned that the growing outbreak in Great Britain poses a serious threat to Northern Ireland’s livestock sector, particularly because of the potential impact on animal movements and trade.
Latest figures for the 2026/27 bluetongue season show 556 affected premises in England, 29 in Wales and eight in Scotland, with Northern Ireland remaining clear.
A bluetongue case is recorded as a premises where at least one animal has tested positive, rather than an individual infected animal.
There have been no confirmed cases of bluetongue serotype 8 during the current season.
Most BTV-3 cases this year have been detected after animals developed clinical signs. This contrasts with the previous season, when many infections were asymptomatic and identified through pre-movement testing.
Sheep are currently more likely to be identified showing clinical signs, although farmers are being urged to monitor all susceptible livestock.
UFU deputy president Clement Lynch said: “The unfolding situation in Great Britain is extremely concerning and serves as a stark reminder of the serious threat that bluetongue could pose to the Northern Ireland livestock sector.”
The union said an outbreak in Northern Ireland could have serious consequences for livestock movements and cross-channel trade.
Restrictions remain in place for livestock moving from Great Britain into Northern Ireland. Derogations are also available for movements to and from the Republic of Ireland.
However, the UFU warned that an increase in cases or clinical signs in Northern Ireland could put those arrangements at risk and potentially lead to tighter restrictions on animals moving back to Great Britain.
Lynch said rising cases could bring significant financial losses and disruption to the agricultural supply chain.
The first detection of BTV-3 in Scotland has also prompted the union to continue monitoring how the trading situation could develop.
Vaccine availability is another growing concern as demand increases across Great Britain.
The UFU said farmers could face delays of up to four weeks in obtaining vaccines, with some manufacturers currently having no available stock.
Lynch said: “Bluetongue vaccine supplies are under severe pressure in GB, with some manufacturers having no available stock at the moment.”
He urged farmers considering vaccination to speak to their private veterinary practitioner about the most appropriate approach for their individual holdings.
“The UFU strongly urges any farmers considering vaccination to consult their private veterinary practitioner to determine the most appropriate course of action for their farm,” he said.
Clinical signs of bluetongue can include high fever, lameness, inflammation around the mouth and nose, sores and ulceration, swelling of the head and neck, excessive salivation and nasal discharge.
Affected animals may also become stiff or reluctant to move because of swelling around the hooves.
Farmers who suspect infection are being urged to act quickly, with bluetongue classified as a notifiable disease.
Lynch said: “Farmers must remain vigilant for the signs and symptoms of BTV-3, and any suspected cases should be reported immediately to their private veterinary practitioner. All advice relating to notifiable diseases must be strictly followed.”
Where animals showing suspected clinical signs are reported, Defra funds diagnostic testing for up to three affected animals.
The UFU said vigilance across the industry would be essential to keeping Northern Ireland free from the disease and protecting livestock businesses from wider economic disruption.
Lynch added: “It is vital that farmers act collectively to protect Northern Ireland’s livestock sector and safeguard our agricultural economy from this significant disease threat currently affecting much of Great Britain.”