Bluetongue: Guidance for GB livestock keepers

This guidance about bluetongue, who to contact and what to do is as a result of bluetongue disease in mainland Europe.

What is bluetongue? Bluetongue disease is caused by a performance (failed pregnancies, transmitted by biting midges, abortion, central nervous system which are most active between May deformities in the calf or lamb) or, in and October. Bluetongue virus can severe cases, the death of adult animals. infect all (e.g. , , and ) and camelids (e.g. Bluetongue virus does not affect people llama and alpaca). Sheep are most and consumption of meat and milk severely affected by the disease. Cattle, from infected animals is safe. although infected more frequently than sheep, do not always show signs of the Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. disease. That means if you suspect an animal is showing signs of disease you must Outbreaks of bluetongue affect tell the Animal and Plant and Health farm incomes through reduced milk Agency (APHA) immediately. Failure to yield, sickness, reduced reproductive do so is an offence. Signs of bluetongue Who to contact If you suspect bluetongue you must In sheep: report it immediately to the Animal • Lethargy, reluctance to move and Plant Health Agency (APHA). • Crusty erosions around the nostrils • England: telephone 03000 200 301 and on the muzzle • Wales: telephone 0300 303 8268 • Discharge of mucus and drooling • Scotland: contact your local APHA from mouth and nose Field Services Office • Swelling of the muzzle, face and above the hoof • Reddening of the skin above What you can do now the hoof • Monitor stock carefully and report • Redness of the mouth, eyes, nose any clinical signs of disease. Your • Fever local vet can provide help in the • Lameness diagnosis. • Breathing problems • Source animals responsibly and check • Erosions on the teats the health status of animals you are looking to buy. In cattle: • Consider vaccination as a method • Lethargy of reducing the spread of . • Crusty erosions around the nostrils Vaccination is the only effective tool and muzzle to protect animals from bluetongue. • Redness of the mouth, eyes, nose Consult your vet about the benefits • Redding of the skin above the hoof of doing so and the availability • Nasal discharge of if this is something you • Reddening and erosions on the teats are considering. Meat and milk Cattle do not often show clear signs from vaccinated animals is safe for of disease so owners should also look consumption. out for signs of fatigue and lower • Maintain good biosecurity such as productivity including reduced milk yield. washing equipment after use.

For the latest information and useful links log onto www.nfuonline.com/bluetongue