Sheep farmers advised to vaccinate their flock against bluetongue virus

AGRICULTURE Minister Martin Heydon has reminded livestock owners about the importance of vaccinating cattle and sheep in combatting bluetongue virus (BTV).

BTV vaccination can reduce the impact and severity of bluetongue virus on livestock and in that way mitigate both animal health and welfare issues and the production losses which an infection may cause.

“The midge that spreads bluetongue can travel up to 150km on the wind. BTV has also been reported in sheep flocks so I would particularly urge sheep farmers to seriously consider vaccinating their flocks in consultation with their private veterinary practitioner.

"Recent detections of bluetongue highlight the importance of submitting unexplained mortalities and samples from animals with suspected clinical signs for veterinary investigation.”

Further information is available at www.gov.ie/bluetongue.