Farmers call for more support for bluetongue vaccines under beef scheme

The ICSA said the Department of Agriculture forcing suckler farmers to choose between vaccination against bluetongue or other core health actions comes during a critical time

ICSA said more support for farmers in the Beef Welfare Scheme was needed. 

The bluetongue vaccine must be supported as an additional measure and not at the expense of other core health actions, says the Irish Cattle and Sheep Association (ICSA).

ICSA suckler chair Eoin Ryan said the department’s option under the 2026 Beef Welfare Scheme forces farmers to choose between vaccinating against bluetongue over other essential measures.