Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We have enhanced biosecurity measures at our ports for vehicles coming in. Ireland is currently BTV free. An outbreak of BTV in Ireland would have a significant impact on animal welfare, the Irish livestock sector and trade. It is important to state that Bluetongue does not impact human health or food safety. However, the bluetongue virus serotype 3, BTV-3, has spread widely across northern and western Europe in 2024, while serotype 12, BTV-12, has also been detected in the Netherlands and eastern England. BTV-3 vaccines have been developed and have been in use in EU member states affected by the disease in Great Britain. There are no vaccines for BTV-12 at present.

As the Deputy outlined, we are now heading into the high risk period. Prior to April, the risk from midges was greatly reduced. From here on, however, the need for vigilance on the part of farmers, everybody who deals with livestock, my Department officials and others continues to be a top priority.

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