Bluetongue cases suspected on fourth Northern Ireland farm 

The cases, which are suspected in two cattle, were detected as part of surveillance within the temporary control zone. File picture

A fourth suspected outbreak of bluetongue virus is under investigation in Northern Ireland.

The North's Department of Agriculture has announced two further suspected bluetongue cases have emerged on a fourth Co Down farm.

The cases, which are suspected in two cattle, were detected as part of surveillance within the temporary control zone. This takes the total number of premises affected to four.

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

Northern Ireland 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 that 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 or local Divisional Veterinary Office.”

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer, Brian Dooher, added: “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 [temporary control zone], 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.”