It has been confirmed there has been an outbreak of bluetongue on a farm in Co Wexford. Confirming the outbreak, agriculture minister Martin Heydon, said: “My department has detected a bovine infected with bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV3) in a herd in Co Wexford. The replication of the virus in infected midges cannot happen when the daily temperatures are lower than 12C. The minister said his department had been actively negotiating revisions to many trade certificates for third countries to minimise the impact of any outbreak. "I encourage cattle and sheep farmers to discuss with their private veterinary practitioner whether vaccination is appropriate for their circumstances.”

Source: Irish Examiner January 26, 2026 11:15 UTC