China suspends Irish beef imports two weeks after market reopened

China has suspended imports of Irish beef due to a bluetongue disease outbreak in cattle, just two weeks after reopening its market for Irish beef. The suspension follows the detection of the virus in multiple herds in Ireland. Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon expressed disappointment over the suspension and stated that his department is working with Chinese authorities to resolve the issue. The outbreak does not affect meat and dairy exports to the EU, Britain, or other international markets.