The 2026 Balmoral Show is now accepting entries, with mandatory bluetongue vaccination introduced for all cattle and sheep as part of updated health measures.
Balmoral Show organisers have unveiled new bluetongue vaccination rules as entries open for the 2026 event. \ Odhran Ducie
ADVERTISEMENT
The Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS) has announced that all cattle and sheep exhibited in 2026 must be vaccinated against the bluetongue virus (BTV-3) under a strengthened animal-health policy.
The RUAS said the requirement is designed to safeguard livestock amid ongoing concerns about the spread of the virus. Exhibitors have been advised to consult their vets promptly, as immunity for all approved vaccines is only achieved several weeks after the final dose.
Three vaccines are available for both cattle and sheep, though timings differ depending on age and previous exposure.
ADVERTISEMENT
Goats are not subject to compulsory vaccination, but the society “strongly recommends” owners to consider it.
Register for free to read this story and our free stories.
This content is available to digital subscribers and loyalty code users only. Sign in to your account, use the code or subscribe to get unlimited access.
The reader loyalty code gives you full access to the site from when you enter it until the following Wednesday at 9pm. Find your unique code on the back page of Irish Country Living every week.
CODE ACCEPTED
You have full access to the site until next Wednesday at 9pm.
CODE NOT VALID
Please try again or contact support.
The Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS) has announced that all cattle and sheep exhibited in 2026 must be vaccinated against the bluetongue virus (BTV-3) under a strengthened animal-health policy.
The RUAS said the requirement is designed to safeguard livestock amid ongoing concerns about the spread of the virus. Exhibitors have been advised to consult their vets promptly, as immunity for all approved vaccines is only achieved several weeks after the final dose.
Three vaccines are available for both cattle and sheep, though timings differ depending on age and previous exposure.
Goats are not subject to compulsory vaccination, but the society “strongly recommends” owners to consider it.
If you would like to speak to a member of our team, please call us on 01-4199525.
Link sent to your email address
We have sent an email to your address. Please click on the link in this email to reset your password. If you can't find it in your inbox, please check your spam folder. If you can't find the email, please call us on 01-4199525.
ENTER YOUR LOYALTY CODE:
The reader loyalty code gives you full access to the site from when you enter it until the following Wednesday at 9pm. Find your unique code on the back page of Irish Country Living every week.
SHARING OPTIONS