Over the past week Agriland reported on the news that there was a suspected bluetongue case reported on a farm near Bangor, Co. Down in Northern Ireland.

Results from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) active surveillance for bluetongue indicated the presence of the disease in two cows.

As a result they have activated stringent disease control measures including a 20km temporary control zone and restrictions on the movement of livestock.

In this episode of AgriFocus, Agriland editor Stella Meehan speaks to Dr. Gerald Barry, assistant professor of virology and deputy director of the One Health Centre at University College Dublin (UCD).

He explains how bluetongue is detected, the ways in which it spreads and why vaccines are not the ultimate panacea.

He has stressed that rapid robust surveillance now needs to be completed both north and south of the border.

Go beyond the headlines with our podcast series – AgriFocus – where we take a closer look at some of the key issues that directly impact on farmers, rural communities and the agri-sector.

*This podcast is sponsored by AXA Farm Insurance