China suspends beef exports from Ireland following bluetongue outbreak

The General Administration of Customs China was informed of the outbreak and subsequently decided to suspend acceptance of Irish beef exported from Ireland with effect from January 27.

Following the confirmation of bluetongue in Ireland, China has suspended all beef imports.

The General Administration of Customs China (GACC) was informed of the outbreak and subsequently decided to suspend acceptance of Irish beef exported from Ireland with effect from January 27.

Under the protocol governing the beef trade between Ireland and China, the Irish Government is required to notify the authorities in China of an outbreak of certain notifiable diseases, including bluetongue.

It is up to the appropriate governing bodies in China when the import suspension is lifted.

“My department and the embassy in Beijing are engaging with the GACC with a view to resolving the suspension in a timely manner,” agriculture minister Martin Heydon said.

On January 22, post-slaughter sampling found a culled suckler cow to be antibody positive for bluetongue. The cow originated from a herd in Wexford.

The bluetongue virus has now been detected in three additional herds in Wexford, all of which are located near the initial herd where the virus was detected.

In the initial herd, there have been a total of seven cattle identified who have tested positive for the disease.

Across the subsequent herds, two herds have one infected animal, and the remaining herd has two infected cattle. All animals have tested virus and antibody positive.

Reportedly none of the infected animals showed clinical signs of the disease. Surveillance in the area is continuing, with additional results due in the coming days.

“Early detection has been a crucial part of our strategy against the bluetongue virus and the rapid response reflects my department’s commitment to that,” Mr Heydon said.

“My department’s continued rapid response has included establishing a 20km testing radius from the origin farm. Collection of samples in this area began on Friday, and sampling and testing are ongoing.” 

“My department met with farm organisations on January 24 and with industry stakeholders on Monday morning. Sector-specific meetings will be organised in the coming weeks.” 

Mr Heydon said despite the outbreak, the virus poses no public health risks and does not affect human health or food safety.

He also reminded farmers that bluetongue vaccines have been approved in Ireland from 2026 and will provide farmers with a valuable tool to protect their cattle and sheep.