Farmers warned about seasonal risk of bluetongue infection

BTV is spread via midges, and temperatures need to be greater than 12℃ for a sustained period for the virus to replicate within the midge and spread

Ireland is now entering the high-risk period for BTV spread and infection.

All livestock owners have been reminded of the higher risk period for bluetongue virus (BTV) as temperatures increase.

Minister for agriculture, Martin Heydon, said: “As we enter the summer period when sustained warmer temperatures will make replication of bluetongue virus possible within infected midges, I would like to advise cattle and sheep farmers to consult with their veterinary practitioners, to decide whether to vaccinate their flocks or herds.”