Farmers in Northern Ireland are left frustrated and anxious by the lack of clear communication from the Department of Agriculture and Agriculture (DAERA) through Bluetongue, without significant answers.
The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) says the continued silence is causing confusion over trade, animal movement and market access as cases rise across the UK.
According to industry monitoring, around 288 cases of bluetongue have been confirmed in the UK so far in the 2025-26 season, with the majority in England and Wales.
There are five facilities in Northern Ireland with confirmed cases and at least one suspected case under investigation.
UFU vice-chairman Glenn Cuddy said farmers could only guess what would happen next.
“Farmers are in the dark,” he said. “There has been little to no meaningful communication over the past two weeks. That is completely unacceptable in a situation this serious.”
The union has formally requested clarification from DAERA, but says key questions remain unanswered.
“There is radio silence on the important questions that really matter to agribusiness,” Cuddy added.
He said DAERA did not yet provide clear guidance on north-south or east-west movement of animals, including trade with the Republic of Ireland and movement between Northern Ireland and the UK mainland.
DAERA confirmed in December 2025 that animals that have not tested positive for bluetongue virus can be moved in and out of the Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) under a general permit, but uncertainty remains.
High-risk animals still require specific licenses and must meet conditions such as testing, vaccinations, and proof of non-pregnancy.
“Farmers need clarity,” Cuddy said. “They need to know where they are in the north-south, east-west movement and how that affects trade and market access.”
He added that piecemeal updates are not enough.
“It’s not enough for information to just be trickled out,” he says. “DAERA must engage appropriately with farmers and industry to clearly explain its position and provide as much certainty as possible.”
The UFU reiterated the need for urgent and transparent communication.
“Farmers understand the need for disease control and appropriate measures,” Kadi said. “What they cannot accept is to be left in the dark. We need answers and we need them now.”
As spring trading approaches, unions have warned that continued uncertainty risks undermining confidence across the sector.
DAERA has been contacted for comment.
