Farmers still 'fearful' of bluetongue as restrictions eased

Farmers are still "very fearful" of the bluetongue virus although restrictions on livestock are easing, the Ulster Farmers' Union has said.

Animals will be able to be moved within Northern Ireland and across the border from 09:00 GMT.

Movements have been restricted since bluetongue virus (BTV), a disease spread by midges, was discovered at a farm in November.

Glenn Cuddy from the UFU said it was "significant news" but he would urge farmers not to rush to import stock from the EU and "be mindful of where they are getting the breeding stock from".

Agriculture ministers in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland have now agreed that animals may travel between the two jurisdictions and the temporary control zone in County Down can be lifted.

But they acknowledge that easing restrictions comes with "an increased disease risk".

"The strain which we seem to have, it hasn't done the sheep or the cattle any harm but through the rest of Europe there's other strains there that can come here by the midge as they migrate," he said.

He said farmers and stock keepers needed to "keep a good eye on their animals".

The change does not apply to movement of live animals from Great Britain to Northern Ireland which remains suspended.

Bluetongue is a viral disease affecting ruminant animals such as cattle and sheep. While it poses no risk to human health or food safety, it can have significant animal health and trade implications.

A vaccination against BTV has been approved and farmers are being encouraged to discuss options with their vets.

Northern Ireland's Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir said protecting animal health was "paramount" but he recognised the "significant disruption that trade restrictions have caused".

"This balanced and proportionate approach, developed in close collaboration with farming organisations and wider industry, will allow trade to resume while managing disease risk," he said.

Irish Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, said cross-border trade was "essential to the all-island agri-food economy".

Since the Republic of Ireland confirmed its first case of BTV Serotype 3 (BTV3) in January 2026, only movements of cattle and sheep direct to slaughter have been allowed as certification requirements could not be met.

Engagement has been ongoing between veterinary authorities in Ireland and Northern Ireland, and with the EU Commission to establish a pathway to restore trade flows.

Bluetongue virus affects cattle, goats, sheep, deer and camelids such as llamas and alpacas.

It can cause ulcers or sores around the animal's mouth and face, difficulties swallowing and breathing, fever and lameness, foetal deformities and stillbirths.

The virus is primarily transmitted through biting midges which are most active from April to November.

It poses no public health risk and does not pose any threat to food safety.