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Risk of bluetongue spreading to Ireland has increased, minister says
“Early detection of any outbreak in Ireland will be crucial to help us prevent onward spread” – Charlie McConalogue.
Farmers have been urged to be vigilant.

The Republic of Ireland’s minister for agriculture, food and the marine has warned that the risk of bluetongue reaching the country has increased due to the spread of the virus in England and Wales.

More than 100 cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) have now been confirmed in England. The regions where the virus is circulating have been placed under livestock movement restrictions.

However, some cases have been detected outside the zone in animals moved before restrictions were put in place, including in Wales.

The minister, Charlie McConalogue, has reminded farmers to report any suspected cases straight away.

Minister McConalogue said: “It is clear that the risk of spread to Ireland has increased as the disease comes closer to our shores.

“Early detection of any outbreak in Ireland will be crucial to help us prevent onward spread. For that reason, I ask all farmers to report any suspect cases of bluetongue promptly.

“If we can detect and respond to an incursion at an early stage, we have a better chance of stopping its spread and protecting cattle and sheep across the country.”

The BTV-3 strain has also spread across mainland Europe, affecting countries including France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and Denmark.

Minister McConalogue added: “My department is continuing to carry out a range of surveillance and risk-reducing activities, including increased active surveillance of higher risk animals, targeted surveillance, and awareness campaigns.

“I want to remind anyone involved in trading in and transport of livestock to and from affected areas and countries, to support these actions and work closely with their local Regional Veterinary Office.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Annual submission deadline small pet animal exemptions

News Story 1
 Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.

Submitting this annual return ensures continued compliance with regulatory requirements for products marketed without a full Marketing Authorisation. The exemption specifically applies to products intended for animals, cage birds, terrarium animals, small rodents, ferrets and rabbits.

For further details and submission guidelines, visit the gov.uk website.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BVA urges 'continued vigilance' over bluetongue

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has urged vigilance following a concerning rise in Bluetongue (BTV) cases in sheep and cattle.

In a recent statement, the BVA noted that members are reporting more severe clinical signs and higher mortality rates than in previous years.

'We know that farm vets are working hard to support farmers and animals affected by this outbreak, during what is an extremely difficult time for all involved,' they stated. 'Continued vigilance to identify disease early is vital and vaccination remains the best way of protecting animals from this disease.'