Farmers urged to be vigilant for bluetongue disease

Irish farming organisations are urging their members to be vigilant following a case of bluetongue disease in England.

The insect-borne virus was detected in a Highland cow at a rare breeds farm in Suffolk over the weekend.

The disease affects cattle, sheep, goats and deer and has swept through northern European countries this year.

The Irish Farmers Association says it poses a potential threat to Ireland's live export industry as affected areas are not allowed to trade with countries that haven't got the virus.