Signs and symptoms
Bluetongue (BTV) 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).
BTV-3 is a relatively new strain, first reported in September 2023 in the Netherlands. Cases have since been reported in Belgium, Germany, France, Luxembourg, Denmark and Switzerland. The first case was confirmed in the UK on 10 November 2023.
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 signs and symptoms of bluetongue, visit: gov.wales: Bluetongue virus (BTV)
Reporting suspected cases
Farmers can help prevent the disease by:
- responsibly sourcing livestock with a reliable health status
- practicing good biosecurity on their premises
- remaining vigilant and reporting symptoms in their livestock
Contact your local Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) office immediately on 0300 303 8268 if you suspect Bluetongue.
APHA vets will investigate suspected cases.
Restricted zones
Keepers considering bringing in animals or biological products, for example germinal products, from BTV disease control zones or other affected countries should consult their vet to check whether this is permitted, and what risks are associated with this action. This should always be done before deciding to move or import animals.
Defra has extended the initial 20km disease control zone in England. The new area is called a Restricted Zone. This zone will have implications for movements of livestock and germinal products.
Livestock will be allowed to move under licences (containing strict disease control conditions) directly from the zone to Wales for slaughter at one of four designated abattoirs. This is considered to be a low risk move and is vital in maintaining Welsh abattoir viability and allowing farmers to consign animals to the abattoirs with which they have contracts. Farmers in Wales will not be able to move BTV-3 susceptible animals from the zone into Wales to live.
Germinal products like semen cannot be frozen within the zone and existing material cannot be moved out, except under license.
All businesses should have a contingency plan, including their response to disease outbreaks on their premises and their inclusion in a disease control zone. Contingency plans should include details of where animals are normally slaughtered to check that abattoir is designated.
Wales Chief Veterinary Officer
Richard Irvine, Wales' Chief Veterinary Officer said:
"As Bluetongue has been recently confirmed in England, I would urge all keepers to take action now to protect their herds and flocks and help keep disease out of Wales. They should also be aware of how to spot Bluetongue and report any suspected cases immediately.
“Wales has never had a case of Bluetongue, but with the changing situation, we are encouraging people to be vigilant and prepared for Bluetongue.
“A stakeholder workshop and a vet webinar was held on 4 September to help raise awareness of the disease. I am grateful to all of our partners in the livestock industry and in veterinary practice for their support in disseminating information about Bluetongue and their ongoing vigilance for this disease.”
Interactive Bluetongue Virus Map
This map shows the spread of Bluetongue in England.
APHA Interactive Bluetongue Virus Map (arcgis.com)