Northern Ireland Chief Veterinarian Dr. Robert J. Huey calls on local farmers to watch out for signs of Bluetongue disease and follow directions to prevent the spread of this ruminant disease.

Dr. Huey said: “Although the Bluetongue is an insect-borne viral disease, the main risk for Northern Ireland is farmers importing animals from areas exposed to Bluetongue in continental Europe.

This happened in December last year, when, as part of the Department’s routine after-sales testing routine, the disease was found in a heifer imported from France to a farm in Northern Ireland.

"I would strongly encourage farmers to follow the DAERA guidelines and be aware of the significant risks and potential adverse effects of importing animals from, or transit through, Bluetongue areas."

Bluetongue disease (“blue tongue”) is a non-communicable, insect-borne, viral disease of ruminants, mainly sheep and less often cattle, goats, buffalo, deer, one-humped camels and antelopes. Caused by the Bluetongue virus (BTV).