03/09/2025
BLUETONGUE UPDATE 🪰
In the last few days two new cases of BTV-3 have been confirmed.
The first on 28 August 2025 - a cow in Greater Manchester was confirmed positive following a report of suspicious clinical signs. The second on 29 August 2025 - a dairy cow in Staffordshire was confirmed positive following a report of suspicious clinical signs.
OVERVIEW:
• Current UK outbreak has been predominantly BTV3 (1st case identified in November 2023)
• Caused by a virus spread by biting midges.
• Affects domestic and wild ruminants (sheep, cattle, goats, deer) and also camelids
• The disease is notifiable, suspect cases need to be reported to APHA (03000 200 301)
CLINICAL SIGNS include: fever, crusting and ulcers around muzzle, swollen head, salivation, lameness and more severely; abortions, malformations, infertility in males, death.
TRANSMISSION:
o An infected adult biting midge bites and infects a susceptible host
o The animal is infective to midges after 2-4 days
o The incubation period inside the midge is 4-20 days, depending on temperature.
o The virus can also be transmitted by semen, ova, embryos and in utero from mother to offspring.
CONTROL:
o The best form of control we have currently is vaccination
o Two vaccines are available through us at the vets;
▪ Bultavo 3:
• Inactivated vaccine
• Reduces viraemia and prevents clinical signs
• Sheep: 1 dose of 1ml, S/C from 1 month of age
• Cattle: 2 doses of 1ml, I/M, 3 weeks apart, from 1 month of age.
▪ Syvazul BTV:
• Inactivated vaccine
• Reduces viraemia, prevents mortality and reduces clinical signs
• Sheep: 1 dose, 2ml, S/C from 3 months of age
• Cattle: 2 doses, 4ml, I/M, 3 weeks apart from 2 months of age.
If you want to vaccinate your animals against blue tongue please contact the office to place an order.
If you are concerned any of your animals are displaying signs of blue tongue virus please contact us and arrange a visit ASAP.
