Bluetongue cases are on the rise again across the SW and Welsh border and it remains important to stay vigilant and respond to any suspicious cases immediately. Bluetongue is still notifiable – ring a vet for advice or report directly to the APHA. Currently all of England and Wales are in the same Restriction Zone, which means that pre-movement blood sampling is only required for export to Scotland/abroad.
Bluetongue is a virus spread by midges. There is no cattle-cattle, cattle-sheep etc transmission, however the same infected midge could infect multiple animals in a group, making it seem infectious between animals.
This year’s outbreak has seen more extensive spread and more severe disease than previously, particularly in sheep. Mortality of sheep testing positive is around 25%. Clinical disease is more obvious in sheep.
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What to do if you suspect Bluetongue?
Liaise with a vet and contact APHA to report suspicion of disease – taking pictures for vets/APHA can be helpful! APHA funded blood testing is then carried out by us, not APHA vets. Current turn around for results is estimated to be around a week due to the high volume of cases. Because BTV is a virus there is no direct treatment, instead the focus is on supportive care – speak to your vet for the most appropriate treatment for the affected animal.
There are currently no further movement restrictions, blood testing or cull orders for test positive animals.
Vaccination
Vaccination remains best practice, but a surge in demand due to the current outbreak means that there is high demand and some stock issues at the wholesaler – please ring the practice to discuss the best vaccine for you and current availability, as it will change on a day-to-day basis.
