With cases of bluetongue increasing, farmers are being urged to closely monitor their animals and report any signs of the disease immediately.
Bluetongue is a notifiable animal disease. This means if you do not report it, you’re breaking the law. If you suspect bluetongue, you must report it immediately by calling 03000 200 301 in England and 03003 038 268 in Wales.
Signs of bluetongue
Bluetongue is caused by infection with bluetongue virus which is mainly spread by biting midges. The severity of the infection depends on the type (serotype) of the virus, and may also be affected by the strain.
In sheep
Sheep are more likely to show obvious clinical signs of bluetongue than cattle if they become infected with bluetongue virus. Signs of bluetongue in sheep include:
- Ulcers or sores in the mouth and nose
- Discharge from the eyes or nose and drooling from mouth
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, head and neck and the coronary band (where the skin of the leg meets the horn of the foot)
Other clinical signs include:
- Red skin as a result of blood collecting beneath the surface
- Fever
- Lameness
- Breathing problems
- Abortion, foetal deformities and stillbirths
- Death
In cattle
Signs of bluetongue in cattle include:
- Lethargy
- Crusty erosions around the nostrils and muzzle
- Redness of the mouth, eyes, nose
- Reddening of the skin above the hoof
- Nasal discharge
- Reddening and erosions on the teats
- Fever
- Milk drop
- Not eating
- Abortion, foetal deformities and stillbirths
Adult cattle may be infectious for several weeks while showing little or no sign of disease. They are often the preferred host for biting midges (the vector of bluetongue virus).
In calves
Calves can become infected with bluetongue virus before birth if the mother is infected while pregnant. Signs of infection include:
- Calves born small, weak, deformed or blind
- Death of calves within a few days of birth
- Stillbirths
There are photographs showing the signs of bluetongue on Flickr.
Preventing and controlling bluetongue
Find out how to prevent bluetongue and stop it spreading.
Latest situation
Find details of all bluetongue disease control zones in England.
Check if you’re in a zone on the bluetongue disease control zone map.
Read more at: Bluetongue: news, information and guidance for livestock keepers – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
