Bluetongue is a disease of ruminants (including cattle, sheep and goats). Ireland tests cull cows which are sampled as they pass through slaughter plants in order to demonstrate freedom from bluetongue.

DAFM has taken lamb blood samples in factories from a proportion of flocks at the time of slaughter. These have been tested for liver fluke antibodies to determine the timing and geographical spread of liver fluke

Update on African Swine Fever 29th July 2019

Since 2015, from June to December, DAFM has taken lamb blood samples in factories from a proportion of flocks at the time of slaughter.

Haemonchus contortus or “barber’s pole worm” has been diagnosed as the cause of death of a four year old ewe in Kilkenny Regional Veterinary Laboratory.

In recent weeks, vets and scientists in the UK have made interesting but worrying discoveries in the field of animal health.