ieExplains: What is bluetongue and should farmers be worried? 

Bluetongue is a viral disease affecting cattle, sheep, goats deer, llamas and alpacas.
ieExplains: What is bluetongue and should farmers be worried? 

Bluetongue is a viral disease affecting cattle, sheep, goats deer, llamas and alpacas.

Mon, 01 Dec, 2025 - 17:38
Rachel Martin, Farming Editor

The detection of a suspected case of bluetongue in Co Down this weekend was not the news farmers wanted to hear this weekend.

What happened and why is it being treated so seriously?

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<p class="contextmenu Body Body">Bluetongue is primarily transmitted through biting midges. The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) has urged the Government to ensure vaccines are available after the discovery of a suspected case of bluetongue virus in the North.</p>

IFA urges Government to have vaccines prepared after suspected bluetongue outbreak in Northern Ireland

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