Following the confirmation of bluetongue in Ireland, China has suspended all beef imports. The General Administration of Customs China (GACC) was informed of the outbreak and subsequently decided to suspend acceptance of Irish beef exported from Ireland with effect from January 27. Under the protocol governing the beef trade between Ireland and China, the Irish Government is required to notify the authorities in China of an outbreak of certain notifiable diseases, including bluetongue. Across the subsequent herds, two herds have one infected animal, and the remaining herd has two infected cattle. “Early detection has been a crucial part of our strategy against the bluetongue virus and the rapid response reflects my department’s commitment to that,” Mr Heydon said.

Source: Irish Examiner January 29, 2026 04:04 UTC