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 July 2, 2025
The Labour government is in crisis and facing mounting pressure to climbdown on its proposed changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR).
By Carla Lockhart MP July 2, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has called on the UK Government to ensure that parents of premature babies are properly supported through parental leave entitlements and has urged Northern Ireland to follow suit with legislative progress that reflects the unique challenges these families face.
By Carla Lockhart MP July 2, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart has today issued a scathing criticism of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland following his dismissive response to serious concerns raised in Parliament about the impact of the Windsor Framework on local businesses.
By Carla Lockhart MP July 2, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, has praised the organisers, volunteers, and local community following a highly successful Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund Vintage Cavalcade held in Waringstown.
By Carla Lockhart MP July 2, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, has strongly criticised the Infrastructure Minister following the latest announcement of part-time 20mph speed limits outside schools with not a single school in Upper Bann included in the new tranche.
By Carla Lockhart MP July 2, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, has paid tribute to the warmth and generosity of the Waringstown community following her visit to a special coffee morning hosted by Evelyn Hall in memory of her late husband, Mervyn, on what would have been his birthday.
By Carla Lockhart MP July 2, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, has strongly criticised the Infrastructure Minister following the latest announcement of part-time 20mph speed limits outside schools with not a single school in Upper Bann included in the new tranche.
By Carla Lockhart MP July 1, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, has strongly condemned the Government’s handling of today’s welfare reform debate, describing the scenes in the House of Commons as “pantomime politics at its best.” The debate on the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Universal Credit Bill was marked by confusion, with significant policy changes announced live from the despatch box, leaving MPs reacting to legislation that was changing before their eyes.
By Carla Lockhart MP July 1, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart is appealing to livestock farmers in Northern Ireland to remain vigilant as the threat from Bluetongue disease increases.
By Carla Lockhart MP June 26, 2025
Upper Bann MP and DUP Westminster Agriculture Spokesperson Carla Lockhart has tabled an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons opposing the enforcement of burdensome EU regulations on the movement of used agricultural and forestry machinery from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.
More Posts