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 Office immediately.
On 1 September 2008 the whole of Wales and England became a BTV8 Protection Zone (PZ) which enables vaccination to take place. Scotland became a Protection Zone (PZ) on 3 November 2008 allowing free movement of animals within Great Britain subject to the usual rules. Vaccination is the only effective tool to protect susceptible animals from Bluetongue.
BTV 8 spread widely in mainland Europe in 2008, and other serotypes were also confirmed. For the latest information on Bluetongue outbreaks in Europe, please visit the links at the bottom of the page.
The latest Bluetongue news, information, licences and legislation can be viewed by clicking the links to the left of the screen.
Related Links
Defra - Bluetongue Factsheet (external link)
Related Links
