27 January 2026: Outbreak of bluetongue virus in Ireland
Updated 28 January 2026
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OVS note number: 2026/01
Date: 27 January 2026
1. Purpose
To inform you of new import restrictions on imports of live ruminants from Republic of Ireland due to an outbreak of Bluetongue Virus (BTV).
2. Background
Republic of Ireland has reported an outbreak of BTV-3 in cattle to WOAH, which was confirmed on 23 January 2026 (WAHIS). As a result, Republic of Ireland has lost its BTV-free status.
In response to the outbreak, the UK Office for SPS Trade Assurance updated its Live Ungulates list on 27 January 2026 to apply Supplementary Guarantee ‘A’ to the entry for Republic of Ireland. This guarantee requires all live ruminants exported to GB from Republic of Ireland to be vaccinated against all serotype/s of BTV circulating in the country.
However, BTV-3 vaccines authorised for use in the EU cannot currently be used for trade due to the lack of information on the duration of immunity of the vaccine, meaning they cannot comply with the relevant part of the certificate. Consequently, imports of live ruminants from Republic of Ireland cannot be certified for export to Great Britain.
In addition to the above, the loss of BTV-free status for Ireland means that imports of ruminant germinal products from Republic of Ireland are now required to comply with the relevant testing requirements for BTV as set out in relevant health certificates and in Appendix 2 of the Import Information Note.
3. Contact point for enquiries
Email: imports@apha.gov.uk
Imports and EU Trade Team