Bluetongue

Bluetongue is a disease affecting all ruminant animals including sheep, cattle, deer, goats and camelids (camels, llamas, alpacas, guanaco and vicuna).  It does not affect horses or pigs.  The disease is caused by a virus spread by certain types of biting midges. Bluetongue does not affect humans. There is no risk to human health.

It is important to be vigilant for the clinical signs of the disease, especially in the case of sheep. In cattle, the disease cannot be easily diagnosed on clinical grounds and may require laboratory testing for confirmation. Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. If you suspect one of your animals has Bluetongue, it is vital to report it as early as possible. Contact your nearest Animal Health Veterinary Laboratories Agency office immediately.

Bluetongue free status was declared in Wales and across the UK on 5 July 2011. 'Bluetongue free status' means that animals exported from GB to other Bluetongue free countries no longer need to be vaccinated. However, animals brought in from high risk areas will continue to be tested for all strains of the disease and are required to be vaccinated.

The threat of disease to the UK will continue to be monitored. For the latest information on Bluetongue in Europe, please visit the links at the bottom of the page.

The latest Bluetongue news, information, and legislation can be viewed by clicking the links to the left of the screen.

Related Links

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) - Bluetongue Factsheet (external link)

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) - UK Bluetongue Control Strategy (external link)

European Commission - A map of the existing restriction zones of the EU countries affected by Bluetongue (external link)

European Commission - Bluetongue in Europe (external link)