Bluetongue is a notifiable disease caused by infection with bluetongue virus. Bluetongue virus is mainly spread by biting midges.
Bluetongue virus affects:
- sheep
- cattle
- other ruminants such as deer and goats
- camelids such as llamas and alpacas
Rarely, bluetongue can affect dogs and other carnivores if they eat infected material (such as aborted material and afterbirth). It does not affect people or food safety, but outbreaks can result in prolonged animal movement and trade restrictions.
How bluetongue is spread
Bluetongue virus can be spread by:
- certain species of biting midges (Culicoides species) – this is the most common source of infection
- movement of infected animals and animal products, such as blood and germinal products (semen, eggs, ova and embryos) – this movement could be within Great Britain or from outside, through imports
- infected pregnant animals transmitting the virus to their young
Signs of bluetongue
If you keep livestock, you must keep a close watch for and report any suspicion of bluetongue in your animals. The severity of the infection depends on the type (serotype) of the virus and may also be affected by the strain. If you are concerned you are to call us straight away on 01746 713 911.
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).
In calves
Calves can become infected with bluetongue virus before birth if the mother is infected while pregnant. Signs of infection include:
- calves born small, weak, deformed or blind
- death of calves within a few days of birth
- stillbirths
As the disease continues to spread we are asking for you all to be vigilant and aware. Make sure you know the symptoms, be mindful of where you are purchasing stock from and call us if you are concerned in any way.
Keep up to date on the Government website by clicking HERE
