Unfolding BTV-3 situation in GB extremely worrying for NI

Carla Lockhart MP • September 6, 2024

Bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) is on the rise in GB with further cases confirmed in multiple farm holdings in Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and East Riding in Yorkshire

The DUP’s Carla Lockhart MP says the unfolding situation is extremely worrying for Northern Ireland. “More cases are being confirmed on an almost daily basis and the 20km ‘temporary controlled zones’ around the affected farms in South East England have been upscaled to ‘restricted zones’, which covers a substantial radius across the three regions. A 20km controlled zone has been introduced around the farm holding at Withernsea in Yorkshire.


“I am repeating my recent call for farmers to exercise extreme caution and source livestock responsibly. I am also urging the Government and Stormont Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir to implement a ban on all live EU animal imports into Northern Ireland.


“Animals originating in GB are prohibited from entering Northern Ireland, but there are no current restrictions on farmers importing livestock from disease-free zones in mainland Europe. Animals are permitted to travel through Bluetongue-infected areas to reach their destination, subject to meeting strict conditions and rigorous post-import checks.”


Ms Lockhart who is the party’s Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs spokesperson said: ”DEFRA and DAERA officials must act urgently to stop any such imports entering Northern Ireland, either via GB or ROI. Herd and flock owners should refrain from sourcing breeding stock from mainland Europe for the foreseeable future. Anyone who has imported animals recently, or is contemplating such a move is jeopardising Northern Ireland’s lucrative agri-food industry. Disease knows no boundaries and it is crucial that we adhere to all necessary precautions to try and keep Bluetongue out of Northern Ireland.


”The Upper Bann MP met Ulster Farmers’ Union representatives William Irvine, Glenn Cuddy, and Alexander Kinnear, earlier this week at UFU headquarters in Belfast. She was joined by party colleague and Stormont Agriculture Committee member, Michelle McIlveen MLA.


Ms McIlveen said: ”Bluetongue brings devastating consequences and it is clear from our meeting that the UFU is very concerned about the seriousness of what is unfolding on farm sin England.


“For months veterinary officials predicted a high probability of the virus re-emerging in GB. Unfortunately, new strain BTV-3 has been confirmed in sheep and cattle at a number of locations in South East England and Yorkshire.


“Bluetongue serotype 3 has been confirmed in a number of regions across Europe. Windborne movement of infected midges and the importation of animals from Bluetongue infected areas poses a very high risk to our industry.”


MP Carla Lockhart added: ”NI’s chief vet Brian Dooher, the UFU and industry stakeholders are keen to see the introduction of an effective vaccine for BTV-3. There are currently no approved vaccines for serotype 3 on the market.


“However, on Wednesday DEFRA secretary of State, the Rt Hon Steve Reed OBE MP has granted permission for the use of three unauthorised vaccines – Bultavo-3, Syvazul BTV3 and Bluevac-3 – within the UK, subject to licence.


“Unlike vaccines for other Bluetongue strains, the BTV serotype 3 vaccines are suppressive
rather than preventative, meaning they will reduce clinical signs, but won’t prevent animals
from contracting the virus. It may also take 10 to 14 days post vaccination for animals to
build up immunity to the BTV-3 virus. On the downside, reports from Europe suggest the
vaccines aren’t as affective as first thought.”
Bluetongue is a notifiable disease but doesn’t pose a threat to human health or food. It
effects ruminants (cattle, sheep, goats, deer) and camelids (llamas and alpacas).

Share

By Carla Lockhart MP September 28, 2025
Carla Lockhart MP has expressed her deep sadness following the sudden passing of Ian Milne.
By Carla Lockhart MP September 26, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has criticised the UK government for rubber-stamping and implementing EU red tape which is strangling the trade of used farm machinery between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
By Carla Lockhart MP September 24, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has criticised Prime Minister Keir Starmer for recognising Palestine without securing safeguards for hostages, minorities, or assurances that such recognition would promote peace.
By Carla Lockhart MP September 24, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has congratulated the staff and volunteers at the USPCA Charity Store in Lurgan after it was named Shop of the Year 2025 at the Charity Retail Awards in London. The store has also been shortlisted for the prestigious title of UK’s Favourite Charity Shop 2025. 
By Carla Lockhart MP September 24, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has praised the organisers of the hugely popular Country Comes to Town event in Portadown, which once again brought thousands of people into the town centre for a day of music, entertainment, and family fun. 
By Carla Lockhart MP September 24, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has presented her “Fix Our Roads” petition directly to the Minister for Infrastructure, calling for urgent action to address the poor state of Northern Ireland’s road network. 
By Carla Lockhart MP September 24, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has congratulated Miss Muriel Mehaffey on reaching the wonderful milestone of her 100th birthday.
By Carla Lockhart MP September 17, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has warned that the unrestricted flow of illegal meat and dairy products into the UK is an existential threat to human and animal health.
By Carla Lockhart MP September 17, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the suspension of parking charges at Iceland’s Banbridge store, following problems with faulty payment machines that had resulted in shoppers receiving unfair fines.
By Carla Lockhart MP September 17, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed progress on the Northern Ireland Football Fund, which has seen four local clubs from Upper Bann move forward to the next stage of the process.