A case of Bluetongue (BTV) was confirmed in a single cow on a farm in Kent on 11th November 2023 and a temporary control zone (TCZ) implemented. The animal was not symptomatic, and the case was detected through surveillance sampling. Since this date, there have been 30 confirmed cases across 15 premises in Kent and 2 in Norfolk. There is currently no evidence that BTV is circulating in Great Britain. Surveillance is ongoing.
Useful information about current cases, controls, frequently asked questions and online advice sessions can be found at https://ruminanthw.org.uk/bluetongue-virus/.
What is Bluetongue?
- Bluetongue is a notifiable disease and suspicion must be reported to APHA.
- It is a viral disease, which affects ruminants (such as sheep, cattle, goats and deer) and camelids (llamas and alpacas). It does not affect horses or pigs.
- Symptoms vary across ruminants, but include fever, lesions, redness of the mouth, eyes, nose, reddening of the skin above the hoof, excessive salivation and nasal discharge. Some animals may show few or no clinical signs.
- BTV is mainly spread by adult-infected midges biting an animal susceptible to the disease. This is classed as ‘vector-borne’ transmission.
- Infected midges can spread locally and more widely in certain temperatures and wind conditions.
- There is currently no approved vaccine available for BTV3 in Europe.
- Bluetongue does not affect humans.
Preparing for Bluetongue
Farmers may want to consider that the active vector season is normally Mar-Sept, but can last until Dec/Jan, and meteorological conditions, such as temperature and wind direction, are likely to increase the chance of infection during these months. While the threat from midges during this time cannot be eliminated, steps can be taken to reduce the likely spread of Bluetongue. This could include –
- Minimising animal movements during high-risk periods as midges often travel with the animals. Sourcing animals responsibly.
- Midges breed in damp soils with high organic content, such as muckheaps. So, treating these with insecticides or keeping susceptible livestock and livestock-housing distant from these may reduce biting frequency and BTV transmission.
- Consider netting of buildings with very fine gauge mesh impregnated with insecticide to protect animals.
- Biosecurity best practice measures should always be observed.
- If you suspect Bluetongue, contact your local vet immediately in the first instance.
