Bluetongue Factsheet.
As you will no doubt be aware, a bluetongue Large Restricted Zone is in place, covering East Riding of Yorkshire and part of Lincolnshire. Here's everything you need to know.
Information on blue tongue is updating as the situation changes so please visit government website for up to date advice and information.
What is blue tongue?
Bluetongue is a viral disease affecting sheep, cattle, goats and deer which is transmitted by biting midges. It does not affect people or food safety, but outbreaks can result in prolonged animal movement and trade restrictions.
It has a significant global distribution in regions where the insect vector (i.e. biting midges species Culicoides) is present, including Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe and North America.
Outbreaks occur when the virus is introduced to a region by windborne movement of infected Culicoides or via the movement of an infected animal or germinal products (semen or embryos).
What are the signs of blue tongue?
In sheep
Sheep are more likely to show obvious clinical signs of bluetongue than cattle if they become infected with bluetongue virus. Signs of bluetongue in sheep include:
- ulcers or sores in the mouth and nose
- discharge from the eyes or nose and drooling from mouth
- swelling of the lips, tongue, head and neck and the coronary band (where the skin of the leg meets the horn of the foot)
Other clinical signs include:
- red skin as a result of blood collecting beneath the surface
- fever
- lameness
- breathing problems
- abortion, foetal deformities and stillbirths
- death
In lambs
Lambs can become infected with bluetongue virus before birth if the dam is infected while pregnant. Signs of infection include:
- lambs born small, weak, deformed or blind
- death of lambs within a few days of birth
- stillbirths
In cattle
Signs of bluetongue in cattle include:
- lethargy
- crusty erosions around the nostrils and muzzle
- redness of the mouth, eyes, nose
- reddening of the skin above the hoof
- nasal discharge
- reddening and erosions on the teats
- fever
- milk drop
- not eating
- abortion, foetal deformities and stillbirths
Adult cattle may be infectious for several weeks while showing little or no sign of disease. They are often the preferred host for biting midges (the vector of bluetongue virus).
What to do if you see these signs?
If you suspect bluetongue, you must report it immediately by calling 03000 200 301
Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. This means if you do not report it, you’re breaking the law.
Farmers and the industry are reminded they must remain Aware, apply Caution and use evidence-based Tactics (ACT) to mitigate against the virus.
- Awareness of how BTV-3 is transmitted as a vector-borne disease
- Caution against any misinformation, but instead view the latest facts
- Tactics on farm to help with midge control must be evidence-based
Where is affected by blue tongue?
At the time of writing, the areas subject to restrictions (high risk and control zone) covers the majority of the Eastern counties of England. Animal keepers outside of this area should remain alert to animals with signs of bluetongue.
Visit the APHA interactive map for up to date information https://defra.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=514ec88edec74575958d860f0196d2ea
What happens if my farm is within the restricted zone?
If your farm is with the restricted zone you will be subject to control measures that place restrictions on the movement of livestock and germinal products.
Conditions for allowing movements change as the disease situation changes. If you want to move animals, you must check the up-to-date requirements on the GOV.UK website. (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/bluetongue-movement-licences-and-designated-slaughterhouses)
You may need to:
- Download and comply with the conditions of a General Licence
- Apply for a specific licence for movement
If you wish to move your animals out of the restricted zone they will be subject to testing requirements. Visit this page for up to date information on blue tongue testing
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/bluetongue-get-free-testing-for-your-animals
Can I prevent blue tongue in my herd or flock?
Defra’s Secretary of State has permitted the use of 3 unauthorised bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) vaccines within the United Kingdom, subject to licence.
Unlike the authorised vaccines for other BTV serotypes, the BTV-3 vaccines claim to reduce viraemia rather than prevent it. This means they may not prevent your animals from being infected or infectious, but (depending on the vaccine) their claims include reduction or prevention of clinical signs experienced or mortality. For this reason, all movement controls and trade restrictions still apply to vaccinated animals. Please discuss whether vaccination is appropriate for your farm with your vet.
Vaccine licences
These allow keepers to vaccinate their animals. There are:
- general licences, for animal keepers in high-risk counties
- specific licences, for animal keepers not in high-risk counties – apply through Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)
Check if you’re in a high-risk county with the interactive bluetongue virus map. The licences are updated occasionally so make sure to download the latest version.
AHDB are hosting a webinar on the latest blue tongue situation on the 2nd October. You can sign up here
https://ahdb.org.uk/events/bluetongue-virus-october-update