Bluetongue outbreak confirmed in Wexford
Agriculture minister Martin Heydon said cattle and sheep farmers should discuss bluetongue vaccination with their vets.
Currently, there are no restriction zones as a result of the positive case of Bluetongue detected in Wexford.
Due to the current low transmission risk with current environmental temperatures, there are no restriction zones within the area of the positive case.
The understands the outbreak occurred in a herd of 69 cattle located near Blackwater, Co Wexford.
Initial detection of the disease was via routine surveillance conducted by the department under the culled cow scheme.
Subsequent testing of animals from the herd of origin resulted in another positive result within the herd. Reportedly, the positive animals showed no clinical symptoms and were not imported.
The department said the likely infection occurred from midges blown across the Irish Sea.
Confirming the outbreak, agriculture minister Martin Heydon, said: “My department has detected a bovine infected with bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV3) in a herd in Co Wexford.
"This is unwelcome news, but unfortunately, it is not surprising, given the spread of this virus across Europe, Great Britain and recently Northern Ireland.”
Recently, a suspected case of Bluetongue was investigated at a premises near Portavogie, Co Down. Preliminary results from the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) have indicated the presence of Bluetongue virus.
This is the first suspect case of Bluetongue virus detected since Bluetongue (BTV-3) was officially confirmed at the fourth infected premises in Co Down on December 19, 2025.
Mr Heydon stressed that bluetongue cannot infect people and does not pose a food safety or human health issue.
“I want to express my sympathy to the affected farmer at this difficult time,” the minister said.
“This virus predominantly is spread by midges. The replication of the virus in infected midges cannot happen when the daily temperatures are lower than 12C.
"The recent seasonal drop in temperatures means that infection is unlikely to spread widely at the current time. Investigations are ongoing, with additional sampling taking place so that we can understand the epidemiological situation.”
Mr Heydon reassured farmers that, despite the outbreak, there would be no implications for exports of meat and dairy products to the EU, UK and most other international markets.
“This outbreak will have an impact on exports of cattle and sheep, with additional costs and logistical issues required in order to comply with the rules set by the countries of destination,” he said.
The minister said his department had been actively negotiating revisions to many trade certificates for third countries to minimise the impact of any outbreak.
Speaking about vaccination for BTV3, he said: “My decision last year to approve the use of BTV3 vaccines in Ireland from 2026 provides farmers with a valuable tool to protect cattle and sheep against the impact of BTV3, should it spread more widely in the 2026 vector season.
"I encourage cattle and sheep farmers to discuss with their private veterinary practitioner whether vaccination is appropriate for their circumstances.”
