Staying vigilant against bluetongue this spring

Midge season begins around April and, as midges become more active, there’s an increased risk of bluetongue virus for cattle and sheep.

Clinical signs of bluetongue in ruminants can vary depending on the strain of virus, and cattle sometimes show few or no signs of illness at all. Staying vigilant is one of the best ways to protect your animals, so it’s a good time to refresh your memory of the typical signs to look out for.

Bluetongue is a notifiable animal disease - if you suspect it, you must report it to the Defra Rural Services helpline immediately. If you have any questions or concerns, the farming and technical engagement team is here to support you.

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) is holding the next in its series of webinars on 22 and 29 April to advise on the latest updates on the diseases, including strains, vaccination, and other useful information. You can register for the free webinars on the ADHB website.