Bluetongue FAQs

Lameness, lethargy, ulcers/sores around nose and mouth, fever, not eating, and milk drop.

View photos of the clinical signs of bluetongue virus and for a full list of clinical signs by species visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/bluetongue  

BTV is mainly spread by adult-infected midges (various culicoides species) biting (vector) an animal susceptible to the disease. This is classed as ‘vector-borne’ transmission.

Infected midges can spread locally and more widely in certain temperatures and wind conditions.

The second but less common way the disease is spread is through movement of infected animals. That is why movement of animals from BTV areas is controlled.

The time of year, i.e. whether during the active vector season (normally March-September), and meteorological conditions, i.e. temperature and wind direction, and the proximity and density of neighbouring farms are significant factors in the potential incursion and spread of this disease. It is however possible to move infected animals at any time of year.

Control of midges is difficult and although there are things that can be done to reduce their spread, it is unlikely that the risk of them can be removed on any individual farm. Reducing the risk is therefore the aim.

The main preventative measure is movement controls and restrictions for susceptible livestock species in relevant areas to reduce the opportunity for vector transmission between holdings. Midges often accompany the animals as they move e.g. in livestock trailers, therefore moving animals increases the risk of midge spread too.

Whilst insecticides do kill insects, their efficacy on culicoides midges has not been shown outside of the laboratory, and there is no evidence that use of insecticides on animals reduces bluetongue virus transmission in the field.

Whilst treating with insecticides may feel like ‘doing something’, there is no evidence that they will protect livestock from bluetongue and excessive use will cause considerable negative environmental and ecological impacts. Furthermore, these products have a poor retention/efficacy time (especially in the rain) so would require repeat administration.

There are no products licensed for culicoides 'control'. Any products sold for this purpose would be off licence and therefore can only be prescribed by vets.

Midges breed in damp soils with high organic content, such as muckheaps. So, keeping these distant from susceptible livestock and livestock-housing may reduce biting frequency and therefore BTV transmission.

The disease does not affect meat or animal products, and meat and milk from infected animals are safe to eat and drink. Over and above this, we carry out compulsory post-import testing of susceptible animals from areas around and known to have BTV-infected regions.

No, BTV viruses do not affect people.

Ruminant wildlife such as deer could become infected if the disease was circulating in the local midge population.

Unless specifically directed to by an inspector, or instructed to by the conditions of an official notice, declaration or licence, you are not required to house ruminant animals at your premises. However, you may wish to consult your veterinary surgeon for advice on any protective steps you might take.

Unless specifically directed to by an inspector, or instructed to by the conditions of an official notice, declaration or licence, you are not required to take action to kill or control insects around your premises. However you may wish to consult your veterinary surgeon for advice on any protective steps you might take.

There are several serotypes of BTV but vaccines are only available for certain serotypes. Unfortunately, there are no authorised vaccines for BTV-3 in the UK. Vaccination against BTV-3 is therefore not currently possible in UK.

Vaccines do not offer cross-protection, i.e., vaccinating your animals against BTV-8 will not protect them from infection with BTV-3.

There are no specific antiviral medicines available and therapy focuses on nursing care and anti-inflammatory medicines to reduce clinical signs, although early euthanasia decisions need to be considered on the grounds of animal welfare.

Please contact your vet for advice on your specific situation.

Explore treatment considerations for BTV-3 cases in sheep

Unfortunately, there are no authorised vaccines for BTV-3. Vaccination against BTV-3 is therefore not currently possible in UK.

It is possible that vaccines will be authorised in the future and we will inform stakeholders of developments. If a vaccine does become authorised, guidance on who is able to vaccinate will be given.

The decision to vaccinate against other strains of BTV is a matter for farmers based on the possible impacts for their businesses.

For serotypes where vaccination is possible (such as BTV 1, 2, 4 and 8), vaccination is the best way to protect livestock. Livestock keepers should discuss with their vet whether vaccination is an option which will benefit their business. Veterinary surgeons can apply to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate for a Special Import Certificate, which will allow keepers to import safe and effective bluetongue vaccine directly from the EU to vaccinate their stock. 

Because BTV is transmitted by midges carrying the virus, and not from one animal to another, vaccination will not necessarily prevent all future potential disease spread but would enable farmers to protect their own herds.   

Unfortunately, there are no authorised vaccines for BTV3 in the UK or EU. Vaccination against BTV 3 is therefore not possible.

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease.

If you suspect one or more of your animals may have bluetongue, you must report it immediately by calling: 

• 03000 200 301 in England (Defra Rural Services Helpline)

• 03003 038 268 in Wales   

• Your local Field Services Office in Scotland   

Failure to do so is an offence.

The number for the AHDB bluetongue hotline is 024 7771 0386.

NFU members can also access the CallFirst hotline on 0370 845 8458.

Restricted zones are set up to limit the spread of the virus.

Movement of livestock, semen and ova (germinal products) in restricted zones are subject to control measures which restricts some movements.

Movement of animals within, into and out of the Restriction Zone is controlled.

Conditions for allowing movements change as the disease situation changes. If you want to move animals, you must check the up-to-date requirements on the GOV.UK website.

Bluetongue movement licences and designated slaughterhouses (GOV.UK)

Notifiable animal disease cases and control zones

It will depend on whether disease has been identified on your farm or if you are in a restricted zone.

Movement restrictions apply to cattle, sheep and other ruminants and camelids, and their germinal products, within designated areas – check your area on the APHA interactive bluetongue map.

There are a number of General Licences (self-certification) available for use. Please check carefully that they apply to you before making a movement and always download the latest version to carry alongside any animals you move.

Bluetongue movement licences and designated slaughterhouses (GOV.UK)

Specific Licences (which require authorisation from Defra) e.g. to move animals outside the Restriction Zone will need to be applied for and requirements complied with. It is recommended that you apply for a Specific Licence in good time, particularly where blood sampling and testing is a requirement of the licence.

It will depend on whether disease has been identified on your farm or if you are in a control zone.

Movement restrictions apply to cattle, sheep and other ruminants and camelids, and their germinal products, within designated areas – check your area on the APHA interactive bluetongue map.

There are a number of General Licences available for use. Please check carefully that they apply to you before making a movement and always download the latest version.

Bluetongue movement licences and designated slaughterhouses (GOV.UK)

You can check your area on the APHA interactive bluetongue map.

If you are still unsure, call AHDB's bluetongue hotline: 024 7771 0386

• Following confirmation of BTV in a non-imported animal in England, the UK may no longer be considered as a BTV-free country
• Trade with trading partners, including trade to the EU, may be subject to additional control measures imposed by the importing authority
• Some countries may restrict UK exports of susceptible animals or their products as a result, although it is expected that exports of many commodities will be able to continue. In some cases, there may be a requirement for additional checks, testing or treatments
• The latest information on availability of individual export Health Certificates can be found on the Government website

To protect the biosecurity status of Northern Ireland movement of susceptible livestock from GB will now be stopped as epidemiological investigations continue. Movement of germplasm will be subject to appropriate restriction.

The main direct economic impacts will vary depending on the strain of BTV and at this stage, with only one animal infected, we cannot make such assessments.  

Bluetongue can reduce milk yield, cause sickness, and reduce reproductive performance. The imposition of movement controls may require some farmers to change their usual routes to markets.  Farmers may incur costs from reduced market access, including export markets.

Early co-operation of farmers is important for this vital part of disease control.

Defra do have legal powers in some cases to insist on sampling. Co-operation in helping that any necessary sampling is done quickly and efficiently is greatly appreciated.

Culling is done following a risk assessment by Defra. It may be used in circumstances where it is believed disease is not circulating in the midge population and an outbreak might be prevented.

Once bluetongue is known to be circulating in the domestic midge population, culling of livestock is not an effective control measure to deal with disease.

If your animal were required to be culled to control bluetongue disease then you would receive compensation for that animal (unless you had imported diseased animals).

However, we would not expect to cull large numbers of animals since culling becomes ineffective once disease is established within midge populations.

We have robust rules and procedures in place to protect our borders from disease and animals or their germinal products can only be imported if they meet these. It is essential that keepers source responsibly.

Over and above this, we carry out compulsory post-import testing of susceptible animals from areas around and known to have BTV infected regions.

As a notifiable disease, the control of bluetongue is legislated for. The control strategy includes good biosecurity and animal care, responsible sourcing of animals, monitoring of the disease situation in Europe and internationally, and having in place appropriate risk-based import conditions and testing.

Vigilance by animal keepers is key. Anyone keeping an animal must notify any suspicion of notifiable disease. This will be investigated by government veterinary inspectors.