The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers' Association (ICSA) has said it is "acutely disappointed" that bluetongue has been detected in Co. Wexford.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon has confirmed that an outbreak of bluetongue has been detected in Co. Wexford.

He said in a statement: “My department has detected a bovine infected with bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) in a herd in Co. Wexford.

"This is unwelcome news but unfortunately it is not surprising, given the spread of this virus across Europe, Great Britain and recently Northern Ireland."

ICSA concern

A spokesperson for the ICSA expressed concern that the disease "may have been present in Ireland for some time".

The spokesperson said that restrictions only "currently impact on the farm where bluetongue has been detected", and the association is reassured that "currently there are no further cases".

"It is important to stress that bluetongue does not affect human health," the ICSA said.

The association also raised the uncertainty around the impact on live exports, with the spokesperson saying it is "hoping to get further clarity on what this will mean on Monday when DAFM is set to further update farming organisations".

Addressing the likely trade impacts, Minister Heydon has said this outbreak will have an impact on exports of cattle and sheep, "with additional costs and logistical issues required in order to comply with the rules set by the countries of destination".

"In respect of meat and dairy products, there are no implications for exports to the EU, UK and to most of our international markets," the minister said.

"My department has been actively negotiating revisions to many trade certs for third countries so that the impact of any outbreak would be minimised, and that work will continue after this news."

Farmer reaction

It is "critical" that everything is done to prevent bluetongue from spreading, the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) has said.

IFA president Francie Gorman said the case of bluetongue confirmed in Co. Wexford is "very disappointing".

Gorman said that the "highest level of vigilance is needed across the sector".

Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers' Association (ICMSA) president Denis Drennan said it is "hugely important" that everyone works together to contain the outbreak "as much as possible and that every support is given to farmers impacted by bluetongue".

"At this stage farmers should take the advice of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine in relation to best practice on biosecurity," Drennan said.

The department held a briefing with the farm organisations on Saturday on the bluetongue situation with another expected to take place on Monday.