The latest development comes as livestock farmers across Northern Ireland are already facing heightened concern over the threat posed by Bluetongue.

 Earlier this week DAERA confirmed that more than 1,600 cases of BTV-3 have been recorded in Great Britain since the beginning of the current vector-active season, alongside eight confirmed cases in the Republic of Ireland.

Ms Lockhart said: “The detection of Shamonda virus in cattle in Jersey is another concerning development for UK livestock farmers, and underlines the importance of maintaining a high level of vigilance when it comes to emerging animal diseases.”

Shamonda virus belongs to the same group as Schmallenberg virus. It is primarily spread by Culicoides (biting midges) and has been detected in cattle, sheep, goats, alpacas and horses in several European countries.

The UK’s Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) offers diagnostic testing and is encouraging investigation of livestock and equine cases showing compatible clinical signs.

Symptoms of Shamonda virus include fever, diarrhoea, lethargy and reduced milk production, while abortions and congenital abnormalities have also been documented.

Carla Lockhart added: “The symptoms associated with Shamonda virus can overlap with a range of other livestock diseases, which makes prompt veterinary investigation and accurate diagnosis particularly important.”

The Upper Bann MP stressed that Bluetongue continues to pose a very real threat to cattle and sheep enterprises in Northern Ireland. She said: “A number of suspected cases have been reported in recent weeks. Thankfully, laboratory testing has, to date, ruled out the presence of BTV-3, but the threat remains very real and farmers should continue to be vigilant.

“I would urge farmers to familiarise themselves with visible signs of the disease, and to contact their private vet or DAERA Divisional Veterinary Office if they have any concerns.”

Clinical signs of Bluetongue can include lesions or ulceration around the nose, eyes or mouth, high temperature, breathing difficulties and lethargy. Reproductive problems, including abortion, stillbirths and deformities in calves or lambs, can also occur.

Ms Lockhart added: “Northern Ireland has a world-class agri-food industry and our farmers cannot afford complacency when it comes to animal health. We need continued surveillance, rapid investigation of suspected cases and clear communication from the authorities so that farmers know what risks they face and what action they should take.



“I will continue to monitor this situation closely and will be seeking assurances that DAERA and the relevant veterinary authorities are working closely with counterparts across these islands to protect Northern Ireland's livestock sector.”