Wexford Bluetongue Case Not As Bad As First Feared - Wexford IFA

Initial test results on a cow with suspected Bluetongue in County Wexford show the animal may have only had a mild case of the disease.

The Department of Agriculture confirmed last week's case was the first detection of the virus in the country this year.

Officials say there are no public health risks associated with bluetongue and cattle vaccination remains the most effective measure against the disease.

Wexford IFA PRO Jer O'Mahony says the case may not have been as bad as first feared:

"The animal did not die from bluetongue, it actually only had a mild strain of the disease and it didn't have any symptoms whatsoever.

"It died of something else and for a stock owner, that can be very frustrating because you're often left scratching your head wondering what it was that caused their death."

Wexford farmers are being asked to remain vigilant regardless.

Bluetongue is currently running rampant in the UK but no other cases have been spotted here so far.

Jer says we should still be on the lookout just in case:

"Vigilance is the key word here at the moment.

"Blood tests have been done on the rest of the herd, we don't know the results of those yet.

"It's not as serious as first thought but again, vigilance from everyone is needed".

The Department for Agriculture has been contacted for comment.

That report was funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.