Bluetongue virus serotype-3 (BTV-3) has been confirmed in multiple herds in southern and eastern areas of the country. The first case of BTV-3 was confirmed in a suckler herd in Co Wexford in January of this year. Through tracing and surveillance efforts, these newer cases discovered in the south-east were animals that presented with no clinical signs. Abortion reports are a legal requirement, and confirmed BTV-3 on the two farms in the coastal areas of Wicklow and Louth. A further confirmed case of BTV-3 was detected on the abattoir surveillance in a herd close to the index herd in Co Wexford.

Source: Irish Examiner March 10, 2026 15:25 UTC