Bluetongue virus
Bluetongue virus is primarily transmitted by biting midges (Culicoides species) and affects cattle, sheep, and other ruminants such as goats and deer, and camelids such as llamas. The impacts on susceptible animals can vary greatly depending on the species of animal and the serotype of bluetongue virus – some show no clinical signs while for others it can cause productivity issues or, in the most severe cases, it can be fatal for infected animals.
Biting midge activity increases with the warmer weather and midges are most active between April and November and the timing of a potential incursion will depend on the temperature and wind patterns.
Farms close to the coast in counties along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent and along the south coast from Kent to Devon are at highest risk of incursion.
On the 26 August 2024, the first bluetongue BTV3 case in 24/25 was confirmed in Norfolk. A Temporary Control Zone was put in place in response to this.
Since this first report, further confirmations of bluetongue BTV3 have been found in Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and a Restricted Zone was put in place around the Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex counties.
Further cases of bluetongue BTV3 was also confirmed in East Riding of Yorkshire and Faversham, Kent and a Temporary Control Zone was put in place in response to these findings.
Bluetongue virus information:
- Bluetongue virus latest situation
- Bluetongue: news, information and guidance for livestock keepers
- Bluetongue: information and guidance for livestock keepers
- Bluetongue: how to spot and report it
- Bluetongue: how to prevent it and stop it spreading
- Bluetongue: Cases and Control Zones
- Bluetongue: Licenses and Designated Slaughterhouses
- Animal Diseases: plan, prevent and protect webinars
- Insecticides approved for use by HSE