Muir approves voluntary BTV-3 vaccination in Northern Ireland
Andrew Muir has permitted the voluntary use of three bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) vaccines in Northern Ireland, subject to licensing.
These vaccines are intended to reduce the severity of clinical signs and mortality in affected animals, though they do not prevent infection or transmission.
While Northern Ireland remains free of the disease, livestock keepers and veterinary practitioners will now be able to take early, informed action as a precautionary, secondary line of defence against the disease.
Minister Muir outlined: “My Department is continuing to take all necessary actions to protect Northern Ireland from an incursion of Bluetongue Virus. This includes our recently published BTV-3 Disease Control Framework.
“While we remain BTV free, I have now taken the decision to allow the use of the BTV-3 vaccines to give our farmers and livestock keepers an additional safeguard alongside our surveillance, prompt detection and control.
“It aims to provide an additional tool to help protect their flocks and herds.”
The decision brings Northern Ireland into line with the voluntary, licensed use of BTV-3 vaccines in Scotland, Wales and England and reflects the evolving risk picture and demand for tools that can help build resilience against animal disease threats.
Chief Veterinary Officer Brian Dooher added: “Clear guidance is available on the DAERA website to farmers, veterinary surgeons and the wider industry on how the vaccine licensing process will work in practice.
“We continue to urge all livestock keepers to remain vigilant for the signs of BTV as we enter the high-risk period and advise them to contact their private veterinary practitioner should they have any concerns.”
Guidance, applications and supporting information, including FAQs, and practical steps for herd keepers and veterinary practitioners, is available on the DAERA website at: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/bluetongue#toc-6
DAERA is urging all farmers to be vigilant for the signs of the disease. BTV is primarily transmitted through biting midges and affects cattle and sheep as well as goats, deer and llamas. Biting midges are most active from April to November and any infiltration will depend on temperature and wind patterns.
BTV-3 was first detected in the Netherlands in September 2023 and has spread across Europe since then with confirmation of the disease in the east of England coming in November 2023. The restricted zone currently in place, covering many areas of England was extended to cover all the country from 1 July 2025.
The virus does not have any impact on people or food safety but can have a devastating impact on animals infected. Symptoms vary with sheep more likely to show obvious clinical signs than cattle.
