Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon said the finding, while unwelcome, was not unexpected given the spread of BTV3 across continental Europe, Britain and Northern Ireland. He emphasised that the virus poses no risk to human health or food safety, and noted that cold winter conditions significantly reduce midge activity, lowering the immediate risk of transmission.
The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) stressed the need for “maximum vigilance,” while clarifying that movement restrictions apply only to the affected farm. IFA president Francie Gorman said domestic livestock trading can continue, but farmers must operate with heightened awareness and strict biosecurity to prevent further spread.
Export implications remain a key concern. Gorman warned that international health certificates must be urgently updated to avoid unnecessary disruption to live cattle and sheep exports, noting that other EU countries affected by BTV3 have relied on bilateral agreements. Additional compliance costs for some destinations, he said, still need resolution.