All farmers should be vigilant and mindful when purchasing and selling livestock as the first case of the Bluetongue virus (BTV-3) is confirmed in Wales.
The first confirmed case of BTV-3 was reported on Friday, 27 September 2024 after surveillance testing identified the virus in three sheep that had moved to Gwynedd from the east of England. Another case has also been reported bringing the total number of cases in Wales to 2. Both cases have been confirmed as high risk move cases.
There have been a total of 145 cases so far in the UK with 143 in England and 2 in Wales.
A general licence is now available for bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) vaccine covering the whole of England. All livestock keepers in England are able to use any of the permitted BTV-3 vaccines without applying for a specific licence.
Wales along with Scotland and Northern Ireland have not licensed the use of BTV-3 vaccines, but are keeping its use under review.
The BTV-3 vaccines reduces rather than prevents the BTV virus in the blood. For this reason, all movement controls and trade restrictions in place still apply to vaccinated animals.
At present, a BTV-3 Restricted Zone has been imposed upon much of the east side of England, due to BTV actively circulating in the midge population.
This concerning situation highlights the need for all farmers to be aware of the risks of sourcing livestock from areas at risk of Bluetongue, especially as the season for selling and purchasing breeding stock is in full swing.
Precautions must be taken if you intend to purchase livestock from areas that border the Restricted Zone, in the east of England, due to the fluid movement of the small flies, midges, that carry BTV-3.
BTV is a disease that by law, needs to be reported to government officials via veterinary practices. It affects ruminants such as sheep and cattle and is spread by biting midges, carrying the virus from one animal to another. BTV causes fever, crusting and ulcers around the nose and mouth, swollen head and lameness, and in extreme cases it causes abortions and death. However, some of these signs are not always present.
It is important to note that the Bluetongue Virus does not affect people or the safety of meat and dairy products.
For the latest updates and information on Bluetongue visit:
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/bluetongue-information-and-guidance-for-livestock-keepers