Bluetongue confirmed on Kildare farm after cow shows clinical signs

Another case of bluetongue, this time on a suckler farm in Kildare, has been confirmed by the Department of Agriculture, Food, and Marine.

An unvaccinated cow on the farm, which presented with clinical signs, including abortion, was sampled under suspect investigation.

Testing confirmed that the cow was positive for bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3).

It is the second case identified in Ireland where BTV-3 infection occurred in 2026.

It is understood the affected farm runs 47 suckler cows, with further testing ongoing.

Unexplained mortalities

The Kildare case follows the first case of the year, confirmed on a Wexford farm last Friday.

The Department said the new cases highlight the importance of submitting unexplained mortalities to the Department’s regional veterinary laboratories.

The Department said it is still worth vaccinating against BTV-3 at this stage, as it remains the most effective measure against the disease.