China has suspended imports of Irish beef, effective 27 January 2026, after authorities detected bluetongue virus in cattle herds near the southeast coast. Chinese customs had only just reopened to Irish beef after a long closure prompted by a rare BSE case in 2024. The Department of Agriculture confirmed that bluetongue was first detected in one herd where seven animals tested positive. “Early detection has been a crucial part of our strategy against the bluetongue virus,” Minister Heydon said in a statement, and the department says it notified Chinese officials immediately. But as the frost thaws in Wexford, and testing continues under grey winter skies, one thing is clear: early detection bought time.