Farmers in Northern Ireland urged to remain vigilant to Bluetongue threat

The Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) for Northern Ireland (NI) is asking farmers to remain vigilant and to source animals responsibly in response to the confirmation of Bluetongue Virus (BTV-3) in a sheep in Norfolk following an investigation of a clinical suspect case.

Bluetongue virus (BTV) is a notifiable exotic disease and is transmitted by midge bites. It affects cows, goats, sheep and camelids such as llamas. The midges are most active between the months of April and November. There are currently no authorised vaccines available for this serotype of the virus (BTV-3).

BTV does not affect people or food safety. Meat and milk from infected animals are safe to eat and drink.

NI's Chief Veterinary Officer Brian Dooher said: “This confirmation in England is a stark reminder of the threat Bluetongue presents to Northern Ireland. Whilst this finding in Norfolk is disappointing it is not unexpected giving the rising level of disease across several countries in Europe. Bluetongue does not affect human health or food safety however an incursion to Northern Ireland would have a significant impact on livestock and the rural economy.

“I would like to remind all farmers of the importance of sourcing animals responsibly and ask that they maintain vigilance for signs of the disease reporting any suspicions to DAERA immediately.”

Suspect cases of BTV can be reported he DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office. Farmers should also isolate suspect animals indoors. 

Download more information on BTV, including clinical signs and questions and answers from the DAERA website.

Notes to editors: 

1. Bluetongue virus (BTV) is a notifiable exotic disease that infects ruminant animals (such as sheep, cattle, goats and deer) and camelids (such as llama and alpaca). 
2. The Bluetongue virus is spread by midges which transfer the virus from animal to animal by biting them or by infected germplasm (semen or ova).
3. Bluetongue affects all ruminants, such as cattle, goats, deer, lamas, alpacas and sheep. Clinical signs can vary by species – although symptoms are generally more severe in sheep. Symptoms include fever, swelling of the head and neck, lameness, inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose and eyes, drooling and there is often a high mortality rate.  Generally, cattle and goats are less severely affected but cattle and goats, which appear healthy, can carry high levels of the virus and provide a source of further infection.
4. Animal keepers in Northern Ireland are not permitted to vaccinate their animals against Bluetongue.  However, if Bluetongue was confirmed in Northern Ireland, a veterinary risk assessment would be carried out and a licence may be issued to permit vaccination. Vaccination against one strain of Bluetongue virus does not give protection against any other strain.
5. DAERA reviews and updates its Veterinary Risk Assessment on an ongoing basis in light of new developments, to ensure the measures in place are appropriate and timely.