Since the first detection of bluetongue virus in Ireland on January 22, infection has since been detected in five cattle herds in Co. Wexford.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon has said today (Tuesday, February 17) that a further infection was detected last week in a bovine "which has been in a number of counties during the possible infection period".

"Investigations are now ongoing into that case," the minister told the Dáil this afternoon.

"While this is an unwelcome development, it is not unexpected as the virus has been spreading across Europe, Great Britain and was found in Northern Ireland in December 2025.

"I want to acknowledge the stress the presence of bluetongue must be causing farmers generally and especially in the south east."

Minister Heydon said the high-risk period for bluetongue spread is when temperatures are warmer between April and November.

"Thankfully given the temperatures at this time of the year, the disease cannot currently be spread by midges."

Surveillance

The minister said his department is undertaking surveillance across the country to detect the presence of further incursions.

"While animal movement controls may be required if the circumstances indicated, based on the information currently available, the veterinary epidemiological risk assessment is that animal movement controls are not necessary.

Ireland has now lost its disease-free status for bluetongue, which the minister said has ramifications for trade, predominantly for the movement of live animals and germinal products within the EU and to third countries.

"My officials are working to renegotiate veterinary health certificates to faciltate ongoing trade, which has been impacted by the loss of freedom from bluetongue including live animal exports," the minister said.

"Much progress has been made in this area but work is ongoing in respect of some markets."

Trade

He said the detection of bluetongue in Ireland has created challenges for intra-community trade in cattle and sheep.

"I know this is of particular concern to farmers in relation to the movement of calves and movement for breeding and production to Northern Ireland," Minister Heydon said.

"The conditions for the agreed animal health certificates under which cattle and sheep can move to other member states - including Northern Ireland - within the EU for breeding and production, can no longer be met due to bluetongue.

"Some importing member states have chosen to apply derogations to these conditions, thereby allowing the inward movement of cattle and sheep from countries with BTV-3 such as in Ireland, subject to certain additional requirements decided by those member states.

"No such derogations are in place in respect of Northern Ireland and so, the movement of cattle and sheep for breeding and production from Ireland to the north cannot take place."

The minister said the decision whether to apply a derogation and the conditions which would apply if that were done is one taken by the importing member state, not by Ireland.

The minister also said he assures the public "that there are no public health risks associated with bluetongue".

"Bluetongue does not affect human health or food safety, and meat and milk are safe to eat and drink."