Heifer in Wexford Tests Positive for Bluetongue
A 16‑month‑old heifer in County Wexford was found to carry bluetongue virus serotype 3 after its death, marking Ireland’s first case of the disease in 2026. The finding underlines the need for farmers to report unexplained cattle deaths and consider vaccination amid widespread outbreaks across Great Britain.
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Gov.ie / MerrionStreet
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⏱️ 1 min read
A 16‑month‑old heifer in County Wexford was found to carry bluetongue virus serotype 3 following a post‑mortem examination, marking the first confirmed case of the disease in Ireland in 2026.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine urged farmers who have not yet vaccinated to consult their private veterinary practitioner about whether vaccination is advisable for their herd, noting that vaccination remains the most effective safeguard against bluetongue. The Department also reminded the farming community that any unexplained animal mortalities should be reported to its Regional Veterinary Laboratories.
Bluetongue virus serotype 3 is currently circulating extensively in Great Britain, with reports of multiple cases and mortalities among cattle and sheep in southwest England, Wales, and recent detections in Scotland. The Department stresses that the situation warrants heightened vigilance and proactive measures across the Irish livestock sector.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine urged farmers who have not yet vaccinated to consult their private veterinary practitioner about whether vaccination is advisable for their herd, noting that vaccination remains the most effective safeguard against bluetongue. The Department also reminded the farming community that any unexplained animal mortalities should be reported to its Regional Veterinary Laboratories.
Bluetongue virus serotype 3 is currently circulating extensively in Great Britain, with reports of multiple cases and mortalities among cattle and sheep in southwest England, Wales, and recent detections in Scotland. The Department stresses that the situation warrants heightened vigilance and proactive measures across the Irish livestock sector.