Bluetongue (BTV)

Bluetongue (BTV-3) is circulating in England and Wales. This page signposts the latest information and advice on the bluetongue situation in the UK. Remember, bluetongue is a notifiable disease and must be reported immediately.

The next AHDB webinar will take place on 23 July, 5-6pm. To register, visit: AHDB | Bluetongue virus – July update

Ruminant Health & Welfare has a section dedicated to bluetongue:

Reporting suspected bluetongue

Bluetongue is a notifiable animal disease. Suspected cases must be reported immediately. Failure to do so is an offence.

Keepers also have a legal duty to report any abortions or deformed calves.

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Signs and symptoms

Bluetongue affects sheep, cattle and other ruminants. It is a viral disease spread by biting midges, which affects all ruminants (e.g. sheep, cattle, goats and deer) and camelids (such as llama and alpaca).

Symptoms vary across ruminants, but include fever, lesions, redness of the mouth, eyes, nose, reddening of the skin above the hoof, excessive salivation and nasal discharge. However, animals may show little or no clinical signs.

It does not affect humans or food safety – meat and milk from infected animals are also safe to eat and drink.

For more information on the signs and symptoms of bluetongue, visit:  GOV.UK | Bluetongue: how to spot and report the disease

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Key webinars

The NFU held a Bluetongue webinar on 23 June, hosted by NFU President Tom Bradshaw featuring the UK's Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer. The webinar provided essential information on the new cross-border movement restrictions coming into force and what members need to do to stay compliant. 

AHDB offers a series of technical webinars which offer vet practitioners and other stakeholders valuable technical information about BTV-3.

Details of upcoming webinars can be found at AHDB | Bluetongue virus technical webinars.

Watch the previous webinars, which have covered topics such as the symptoms of BTV, the midge lifecycle and the impact of temperature on BTV transmission at: YouTube | AHDB

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Your health and wellbeing

Your health and wellbeing matters.

If you are in need of help or support in the aftermath of a bluetongue outbreak on farm, there are a number of farming organisations that can help.

If you are struggling or know someone who is, know that you are not alone. Our health and safety team have put together a list of available organisations that can support you, both nationally and locally. 

Latest bluetongue news and information

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