Bluetongue update: steps you can take to protect your animals

By Holly Gower, RSPCA senior scientific and policy officer

Recent weeks have seen a significant increase in confirmed cases of bluetongue (BTV-3).

I know this will be causing concern for many of you, particularly if you're in an affected area or are worried about what it could mean for your animals.

If your farm has been impacted, I'm so sorry. Disease outbreaks can be incredibly stressful, both personally and professionally, and I want you to know that we're here to support you.

Although none of us can control where bluetongue appears next, there are practical steps you can take to help reduce the risk and protect your animals.

My biggest piece of advice is not to wait until animals become unwell before speaking to your vet and making a plan.

Speak to your vet about vaccination

If you haven't already done so, now is a good time to have a conversation with your vet about vaccination against BTV-3.

Vaccinating animals before peak midge activity in late summer and early autumn gives them the best opportunity to build immunity.

Every farm is different, and that's why there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach.

Your vet can help assess the level of risk to your herd or flock, use the Battle Bluetongue Vaccine decision maker tool, and decide on a plan to best protect your animals.

Stay alert for the signs

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease that affects sheep, cattle and other ruminants. While it’s often more severe in sheep, it doesn’t pose a risk to human health.

One of the challenges with bluetongue is that some animals show no signs of infection at all, while others may not develop symptoms for several weeks.

That's why regular observation is so important. You know your animals better than anyone, so trust your instincts if something doesn't seem quite right.

Signs to look out for in sheep:

Ulcers or sores in the mouth and nose
Discharge from the eyes or nose and drooling
Swelling of the lips, tongue, head, neck or around the hoof
Reddening of the skin
Fever
Lameness
Breathing difficulties
Abortion.

Signs to look out for in cattle:

Lethargy
Crusting around the nostrils and muzzle
Redness of the mouth, eyes or nose
Reddening above the hoof
Nasal discharge
Reddening or sores on the teats
Fever
Reduced milk yield
Loss of appetite
Abortion.

Calves may also be born small, weak, deformed or blind, or die shortly after birth.

If you notice any of these signs or have concerns about your animals, don't hesitate to contact your vet. Acting early can make all the difference.

How bluetongue spreads

Bluetongue is most commonly spread by infected biting midges (Culicoides species), which are typically active from May to November.

Midges become infected after feeding on an infected animal and can then spread the virus to other susceptible animals for the rest of their lives, usually around a month, but sometimes longer.

The virus can also be passed from infected pregnant animals to their unborn young.

Understanding how the disease spreads can help you make informed decisions about managing your animals and planning ahead with your vet.

Movement restrictions

England and Wales are currently covered by country-wide bluetongue restricted zones.

Animals can continue to move within and between England and Wales, provided the conditions of the relevant general licence are met.

Additional movement requirements apply for animals travelling into Scotland, so it's worth checking the latest guidance before making any plans.

If you suspect bluetongue

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease, so any suspected cases must be reported immediately. Free testing may be available if the disease is suspected.

Please contact:

England: 03000 200 301
Wales: 03003 038 268
Scotland: 03000 600 704 or your local Field Services Office
Northern Ireland: 0300 200 784.