Update 05/08/2026
We have seen a handful of cases of Bluetongue to date, both in sheep and in cattle. We have seen no disease in housed cattle thus far. A very small number of sheep have presented dead though no clinical signs had been noted in the previous twenty four hours. All those we have treated have recovered with simple anti-inflammatory supportive treatment.
One observation from our own cases as well as discussion with other local vets - the virus seems to cause much more severe clinical signs as well as an increased number of cases where there are concurrrent issues such as high worm burdens. Healthy animals seem to be coping with the disease much better. Monitoring worm burdens in flocks is strongly encouraged alongside observation of general flock health.
It also appears that shorn sheep are getting significantly more disease, likely linked to the greater exposure to midge bites. Delaying shearing of lambs if feasible may be advisable in the short term.
Although there is no claim for the duration of immunity of the vaccines that are available, we have heard of cases in flocks vaccinated last year which had not boostered this year, so it would seem advisable to booster protection if you vaccinated last year.
Background
Bluetongue is a virus, spread by Culicoides biting midges between ruminants (sheep, goats, cattle, deer and camelids). It is non-contagious (does not spread by contact between animals) and does not affect humans.
The virus has multiple strains. The strain that has been identified most commonly in the current UK outbreak is BTV-3. There is no cross-immunity between strains (exposure or vaccination to the previously circulating BTV-8 gives no protection against BTV-3).
The signs of infection to look out for are:
| Cattle | Sheep |
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Signs are often mild or not detectable
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More severe signs
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If you suspect your animals have Bluetongue, you should report it to APHA on 03000200301. They will issue an authorisation number which will allow us to test 3 animals on your holding. The cost of sampling and postage is not covered and will be payable. The results are taking 2 weeks to be returned, so we will not wait for the "official diagnosis" before beginning treatment.
Treatment will be supportive, using pain relief and sometimes steroidal anti-inflammatory. Access to fresh water, shade and soft feed are all important elements of supportive therapy. Early identification and implementation of treatment are leading to best results. All treatments should be discussed with your vet.
Vaccination
The vaccine datasheet indicates immunity takes 3 weeks to occur in sheep and 6 weeks to occur in cattle following the primary dose (three weeks post secondary dose). The vaccine regime for our most commonly prescribed vaccine, Bultavo 3, is one 1ml dose administered sub-cutaneously in sheep. In cattle, two 1ml doses are administered intramuscularly, three weeks apart. The vaccine is safe to use in pregnant animals. There are zero meat or milk withdrawal periods to observe. Adverse effects noted include a spike in temperature and lumps at injection sites that generally resolve with time. Animals can be vaccinated from one month of age. It is not known if immunity can be transfered via colostral anitbodies bewteen dam and offspring.
Demand for vaccine is understandably very high across the country. We will aim to update clients on availability as and when we have more details from our suppliers.
Fertility is a recurring question. Whilst the safety of the vaccine has not been establised in breeding males, we do know that Bluetongue can be transmitted through semen when an animal is naturally infected. If you elect to vaccinate we would encourage you to include your breeding males.
Hygiene when vaccinating animals is paramount. Use of sterimatic injectors, new needles or disinfection of needles between animals is encouraged to prevent spread between animals. Be mindful of minimising stress when handling animals particularly in the face of an outbreak and vaccinate any knowingly infected animals last.
Reporting of vaccine usage is required by law. Record individual animal IDs of all stock vaccinated alongside batch numbers of vaccine used at the government website link attached below.
Links to external resources
gov.uk Guidance regarding Bluetongue
Report the use of BTV-3 vaccine in your animals (whole animal number required)