Irish farmers urged to test urgently for bluetongue as cases rise
Only about half of Ireland's mature breeding herds and flocks are vaccinated against the bluetongue virus. A farming organisation is urging farmers to stay vigilant as case numbers climb.
Only about half of Ireland's mature breeding herds and flocks are currently vaccinated against the bluetongue virus (BTV). This was stated by Michael O'Connell, chairperson of the livestock committee of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA), a farming organisation representing dairy and other farmers.
He urged farmers to be "proactively vigilant" because the number of cases is rising, which he described as concerning. ICMSA is calling for urgent testing so that the spread of the disease can be detected in good time.
The information available from the source is limited. It indicates that vaccination coverage remains at only around 50%, while the organisation believes the situation demands greater attention from livestock keepers themselves.
