Bluetongue virus confirmed in three County Down sheep
DAERA officials said bluetongue was found in three sheep near Bangor, County Down, first detected there in November 2025, while England has 2,950 cases.
Pierre-Louis Crescitz
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Key facts
The disease was first detected near Bangor in County Down in November 2025.
The detection comes as cases in England have been increasing, with 2,950 now confirmed.
DAERA, the department that confirmed the virus in the three sheep, is the body farmers were told to contact if they suspect disease.
The disease was first detected near Bangor in County Down in November 2025.
The detection comes as cases in England have been increasing, with 2,950 now confirmed.
A statement said there was no risk to people or to food."It is important that I reiterate that Bluetongue poses no threat to public health nor to food safety - milk and meat are safe to consume.".
Muir said awareness was key."Continued vigilance and strict biosecurity measures remain of paramount importance and I would once again urge all farmers to report any suspicion of disease to DAERA,"Muir said.
DAERA, the department that confirmed the virus in the three sheep, is the body farmers were told to contact if they suspect disease.
Dig deeper
What is bluetongue?
Bluetongue is a viral disease of sheep, cattle and other ruminants, spread mainly by biting midges, that can cause fever, swelling and lameness but is not a human illness.
Who is Muir?
Andrew Muir is Northern Ireland’s Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, the politician responsible for the department handling this animal-disease response.
What is DAERA?
DAERA is Northern Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, the body that confirmed the virus in the three sheep and the contact point for farmers who suspect disease.
Where are County Down and Bangor?
County Down is a county in Northern Ireland, and Bangor is a coastal town there, near where the first of these cases was detected.
Why does this matter?
A first detection in County Down raises the risk of spread among local flocks and herds, so farmers are being asked to tighten biosecurity and report suspicious signs even though milk and meat remain safe to eat.