Vaccination against bluetongue virus will be included as an option for farmers participating in beef and sheep welfare schemes. Vaccination can greatly reduce the impact and severity of bluetongue on livestock and mitigate both animal health and welfare issues and the production losses associated with infection. In Budget 2026, I secured €50m for the continuation of the highly successful beef and sheep welfare schemes operated by my department in 2025. In 2026, the sheep welfare scheme will include an option to vaccinate, and participants may choose to vaccinate against either bluetongue or clostridial diseases. In 2026, the beef welfare scheme will include an option to vaccinate, and participants may choose to vaccinate against either bluetongue, clostridial diseases, or calf pneumonia.

Source: Irish Examiner March 24, 2026 14:07 UTC