The UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer has urged farmers to remain vigilant for bluetongue virus. There has been a recent increase in confirmed BTV-3 cases in the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium with some animals showing severe clinical signs. Last November, APHA and The Pirbright Institute identified the first case of the disease in Great Britain through the annual bluetongue surveillance programme.

Bluetongue virus is primarily transmitted by midge bites and affects cattle, goats, sheep and camelids such as llamas. The impacts on susceptible animals can vary greatly – some show no clinical signs or effects at all while for others it can cause productivity issues such as reduced milk yield, while in the most severe cases can be fatal for infected animals. Bluetongue does not affect human health or food safety. The virus can also be spread through germplasm (semen, ova, and embryos) as well as transmitted from mother to unborn offspring.

As of 23rd September 2024, following reports of suspicion of clinical disease in cattle at premises in Norfolk one new case of BTV-3 has been confirmed. This brings the total number of cases to 98. You can keep updated with the latest situation here

Biting midge activity increases with warmer weather, and there remains a very high probability of a new introduction of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) into livestock in Great Britain in 2024 through infected biting midges being blown over from northern Europe. Biting midges are most active between April and November and the timing of a potential incursion will depend on the temperature and wind patterns.