Bluetongue (BTV-3): Staying Ahead in the South West.

As we move through late summer, the bluetongue situation in the UK has escalated significantly, with the South West bearing the brunt of the outbreak. Nationally, cases have risen to over 500, and counties like Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset are seeing the highest concentrations of clinical disease.

With warm weather continuing to drive active midge populations, protecting your flock and herd requires proactive management.

Key Clinical Signs to Watch For

The disease is presenting strongly in sheep, but cattle and camelids are also vulnerable. Keep a close eye out for:

• In Sheep: Lethargy, fever (>39.5°C), swollen lips/face, drooling, nasal discharge, and painful mouth ulcers. Look out for later signs like lameness and hoof detachment.

• In Cattle: Red, swollen coronary bands, stiffness, lameness, red eyes, nasal discharge, mouth lesions, and a sudden drop in milk yield. Keep watch for fertility issues, abortions, or unexpected dummy calves.

Remember: Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. If you suspect clinical signs, you must report them immediately to Defra. Defra currently funds diagnostic testing for up to three suspected animals per premises.

Practical Prevention & Management

• Vaccination: Vaccination remains our strongest defence against BTV-3, helping to reduce clinical severity and mortality. Supplies are arriving in waves, so please reach out to us promptly to discuss your requirements and secure doses for breeding stock or high-value animals.

• Midge Management: While repellents have limited impact, environmental management helps. Good airflow (>3m/sec) disrupts midge activity, so check that shed fans are operational. Where practical, avoid grazing vulnerable stock in wet, sheltered lowlands around dawn and dusk.

• Movements: England and Wales remain within a Restricted Zone (RZ). While stock can move freely between RZ premises, strict pre-movement PCR testing rules apply if you are moving ruminants north into Scotland.

We Are Here to Help

Navigating disease risks alongside daily farm pressures can feel daunting. Whether you want to run through a vaccine decision matrix, assess your stock risk, or utilise our Vet Tech service to vaccinate smaller groups, our farm team is here to support you every step of the way.

Please contact Tyndale Vets directly to chat with a vet about tailoring a protection plan for your holding.