Bluetongue Virus
Current update November 2024: Bluetongue case confirmed on Isle of Wight
Following a confirmed case on the Isle of Wight in November 2024, the Isle of Wight are now included within the restriction zone imposed by DEFRA.
This means the general movement licenses have been revoked. Movements are now restricted on the Island.
For up to date information regarding movements, general and special licences, livestock keepers should consult Bluetongue movement licences and designated slaughterhouses - GOV.UK
Suspected Bluetongue must be reported immediately. Contact APHA telephone 03000 200 301
Be alert
Livestock owners should continue to be vigilant and frequently check their animals.
Clinical signs to look out for
livestock in Great Britain can become infected with BTV from biting midges being blown over from northern Europe. Biting midges are most active between April and November. The timing of a potential incursion will depend on the temperature and wind patterns.
BTV can cause the following symptoms in livestock:
- fever
- crusting and ulcers around muzzle area
- swollen head
- salivating
- lameness
In the most severe cases, it can cause abortions, malformations and death in animals. Clinical signs are not always present despite infection.
APHA Animal Disease Alert Service
In the event of an outbreak and for animals to be located quickly, make sure your livestock and land is registered with APHA.
- Check your contact details are up to date if already registered
- Register with APHA subscription service who notify their subscribers when there is an exotic notifiable animal disease outbreak in Great Britain.
All land and buildings used for livestock also need to be correctly registered with APHA. Temporary Land Associations and Temporary CPHs can be registered by completing and IRA75 form: Apply for temporary use of land or buildings to keep livestock - GOV.UK
Frequently asked questions about Bluetongue
Bluetongue is an insect-borne viral disease to which all species of ruminants are susceptible, although sheep are most severely affected. It does not affect humans.
Bluetongue is a notifiable disease, which means it is a legal requirement for keepers to inform APHA if they suspect their livestock are displaying symptoms of this disease.
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.
Outbreaks can result in prolonged animal movement and trade restrictions, as well as culled flocks.
The first case of a new bluetongue virus serotype (BTV-3) was confirmed in England on the 10 November 2023.
Further
cases continue to be detected through surveillance and reporting throughout England,
spreading from the East/South-East.
Bluetongue is mainly spread by adult-infected midges biting an animal who is susceptible to the disease.
Infected midges can spread locally and more widely in certain temperatures and wind conditions.
The second but less common way the disease is spread is through movement of infected animals. That is why movement of animals from BTV areas is controlled.
Mainly cows and sheep, but the Bluetongue virus can affect:
- sheep
- cattle - cows
- 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
Bluetongue can cause the following symptoms in livestock:
- fever
- crusting and ulcers around muzzle area
- swollen head
- salivating
- lameness
- not eating and milk drop
No. Bluetongue does not affect humans.
No, it does not affect meat or animal
products. Meat and milk products from infected animals are safe to eat
and drink by humans.
Suspicions of notifiable diseases must be reported immediately to APHA on 03000 200 301.
Animal movements are now restricted under a ‘Bluetongue General Licence’. This has replaced the General Licence previously in place. There are restrictions on moving animals within the restricted zone, outside of the restricted zone, to markets and slaughterhouses.
Information about these licences can be found: Bluetongue movement licences and designated slaughterhouses - GOV.UK