A bluetongue outbreak in two cows near Bangor has triggered a 20km restriction in Northern Ireland.

A suspected bluetongue virus outbreak in two cows near Bangor, County Down, has prompted a 20km movement restriction in Northern Ireland. The disease, spread by midges, affects livestock but not humans or food safety. Authorities have activated a control zone, suspended direct animal movements from Britain, and urged farmers to report symptoms immediately. The outbreak follows a 2024 case in England and raises concerns over wider impacts on animal health and farming.