Suspected cases of bluetongue have been identified at a fourth farm in Northern Ireland.<\/p>\n
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) announced on Tuesday evening that two further suspected bluetongue cases are under investigation at a farm in Co Down.<\/p>\n
This takes the total number of suspected infected premises to four.<\/p>\n
Bluetongue was first confirmed in a herd at a separate farm near Bangor last month, and there have been other suspected cases in Greyabbey.<\/p>\n
\nFourth suspected case of Bluetongue virus under investigation. More info: https:\/\/t.co\/CdtqjLOT8o<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/nf4h48dNPw<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 DAERA (@daera_ni) December 16, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Bluetongue is an animal disease that affects livestock including cattle and sheep as well as goats, deer and llamas.<\/p>\n
It does not affect humans or food safety and is primarily transmitted through midges.<\/p>\n
The National Reference Laboratory confirmed the bluetongue virus (BTV) in the first Greyabbey case, reported on December 6, and the case on a farm near the site of the original outbreak near Bangor, initially reported on December 11.<\/p>\n
Following veterinary assessment of the latest suspect case, a decision has been taken that a further extension of the temporary control zone (TCZ) is not required.<\/p>\n
Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir said: \u201cThe emergence of a fourth suspect case during surveillance testing is disappointing but will not come as a surprise given the scale of the testing undertaken by the department.<\/p>\n
\u201cBluetongue is an unpredictable virus that can be spread rapidly by midges through and between flocks and herds. It is important to reiterate that BTV poses no human health risk or food safety concern but it does impact cloven-hoofed animals like cattle, sheep, goats, deer, llamas and alpacas.<\/p>\n
\nAre you Bluetongue (BTV) aware?\ud83d\udcdeIf you suspect signs of BTV you must contact your vet or local DAERA Direct Office on 0300-200-7840.\ud83d\udd17More information is available at link in bio. pic.twitter.com\/fliLZnN3oU<\/a><\/p>\n