Two 20km Temporary Control Zones (TCZs) have been set up in Co Down near Bangor and Greyabbey, where outbreaks have been confirmed or are suspected.

Livestock movements there remain restricted, except for direct-to-slaughter transfers with a licence.

But outside these temporary control zones, farmers can now move animals to Great Britain for any purpose – slaughter, markets, breeding, and production – under normal rules.

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Moving animals into the zones is allowed with a downloadable license from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).

A direct-to-slaughter transfer is when livestock is moved straight from a farm to a slaughterhouse, without stopping at markets, other farms, or for breeding purposes.

Chief Veterinary Officer Brian Dooher said the changes reflect the current “vector low period” – when biting midges, which spread the virus, are less active.

He noted that Bluetongue poses no public health or food safety risk, though it can cause severe symptoms in sheep.

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Bluetongue is primarily transmitted through biting midges and affects cattle, sheep, goats, deer, llamas and alpacas.

Biting midges are most active from April to November and the potential for spread depends on climatic conditions and wind patterns.

DAERA continues to monitor the situation and will advise on future movements within and out of the temporary control zones.

A second suspected case of Bluetongue was identified on a farm close to Greyabbey at the weekend.

It follows the confirmation of more than 40 cases of the virus within a herd close to Bangor last week.

For more information and licences, farmers can visit the DAERA website.

The General Licence for the movement of animals into the Temporary Control Zones (TCZs) can be accessed online.