It has been advised that vaccination should be completed in animals to protect them against bluetongue prior to the high-risk vector season from May onwards.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has said cattle require six weeks for full immunity, consisting of two vaccination doses three weeks apart and a further three weeks for full immunity.

Sheep require three weeks for full immunity with one vaccination dose, the department said.

A DAFM spokesperson told Agriland: "The decision to vaccinate needs to be carefully considered by individual farmers in consultation with their veterinary practitioner."

Vaccine dose availability

While specific details on vaccine sales are "commercially sensitive", DAFM said it has been informed by industry that 1.15 million doses are available to the Irish market.

"Of this figure, over 600,000 doses have already been delivered to wholesalers in Ireland or are pending delivery," DAFM said.

"Any increases in stock availability for the Irish market would be a commercial decision for any of the vaccine companies but industry has advised the department that further stock can be allocated if needed."

Serotypes

Avril Hobson, head of divison, the National Disease Control Centre of the DAFM, told a recent webinar by the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) that there are three vaccines licensed in Ireland for use for bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3).

Vaccines can only protect against particular serotypes. BTV-3 is the serotype present in Ireland, and the vaccines available will protect against this.

The vaccines permitted for use are: Bultavo 3; Bluevac 3; and Syvazul BTV-3.

Hobson explained: "They reduce the viremia, clinical signs and mortality rates. They don't prevent the animals getting the virus.

"There is no duration of immunity established yet but the drug companies have indicated it's a once a year course.

"There was high uptake in Europe in 2024, less in 2025."

Hobson said there were about 180 licences issued to private vet practices up to March 1, 2026.