China halts Irish beef imports after bluetongue outbreak Suspension comes weeks after market reopening29 January 2026 29 January 2026 1 minute read 1 minute read By: By: Global Ag Media Europe AsiaChina has suspended imports of Irish beef due to an outbreak of bluetongue disease in cattle, just two weeks after it reopened its market for Irish beef for the first time in more than a year, Reuters reported, citing Ireland's agriculture ministry on Wednesday. Ireland reported its first outbreak of the disease in a herd in the southeast of the country on Saturday and was informed by the Chinese authorities that they had suspended Irish beef imports from Tuesday, the ministry said. The virus has since been detected in three additional herds near the initial outbreak. China reopened its market to Irish beef imports on Jan. 12 during a visit by Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin to Beijing, dropping a 2024 suspension that followed the discovery of a case of mad cow disease. Ireland exports the bulk of its output from the beef and dairy industries, which are major employers in the country.