Bluetongue
Bluetongue is an insect-borne viral disease to which all species of ruminants are susceptible, although sheep are most severely affected. It does not affect humans.
What is Bluetongue?
Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. It is a disease of animals, not humans, so there are no human or public health issues.
If notifiable disease is suspected or detected, contact the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or your local DAERA Direct Regional Office immediately. Failure to do so is an offence.
Bluetongue is an insect-borne viral disease to which all species of ruminants are susceptible, although sheep are most severely affected. Cattle and goats which often appear healthy can carry high levels of the virus and provide a source of further infection.
The disease is caused by a virus which is transmitted by certain species of biting midges. Animal to animal transmission is not reported except through the transplacental route. The Culicoides species of midge which carries the infection is found in Northern Ireland.
Bluetongue Transmission Cycle
GB Current Situation
On Monday 26 August 2024 the first case of Bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) since early March 2024 was confirmed in a single sheep at a premises in Norfolk, England. Further cases continue to be reported in England. A Restricted Zone and Temporary Control Zone is in place in the affected counties in England. Further details on the Great Britain (GB) situation can be accessed at Bluetongue: news, information and guidance for livestock keepers | gov.uk.
An APHA interactive map outlining the Restricted Zone, High Risk Counties and the Temporary Control Zone can be accessed at Header ControllerAPHA Interactive Bluetongue Virus Map.
Bluetongue cases in Wales
Bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) has been identified in three sheep moved to Gwynedd from the east of England.
A DAERA Press Release highlighting the need for vigilance following the first confirmation of BTV-3 in Wales can be accessed here.
Further details can also be found here.
Farmers are advised to familiarise themselves with the signs of Bluetongue and to report any suspected cases immediately to DAERA whilst also isolating suspect animals indoors.
GB Movements / EU Movements Via GB
Due to confirmed bluetongue cases in Great Britain (GB), the direct movement of all live ruminants and camelids from GB to Northern Ireland (NI) is suspended. Movement can recommence once GB recovers it’s EU recognised disease-free status for the virus.
The minimum period before disease free status can be granted is two years from the date of the last positive case, with GB completing required surveillance.
GB and Northern Ireland are considered different epidemiological units. Movements of live animals from GB into NI are subject to conditions outlined in agreed certificates, which an official veterinarian must attest have been met by signing.
The movement of EU origin ruminants and camelids transiting through GB and into NI is permissible, providing certain conditions specified in the certificates are adhered to. These measures include ensuring animals do not stop for longer than one day, and that the animals are protected during transit from infection by midge vectors. In addition to these, there are stringent criteria that needs to be met to import animals from a bluetongue infected area in an EU member state, as outlined within the INTRA health certificates.
Further information can be found at the following:
- Bluetongue - European Commission (europa.eu)
- Bovine animals - European Commission (europa.eu)
- Ovine & Caprine animals - European Commission (europa.eu)
- Camelid and cervid animals - European Commission (europa.eu)
Further details on the impact on trade including moves of germinal products can be accessed at Bluetongue Virus (BTV-3) – Impact on NI Trade.
Please contact DAERA Trade Imports - daeratradeimports@daera-ni.gov.uk should you require further information.
Situation in Europe & Moves from Europe
In Europe, several strains of Bluetongue (BTV) are circulating.
There has never been an outbreak of BTV in Northern Ireland (NI). The last time BTV was detected in NI was in an imported heifer from France in December 2018. This positive animal was detected as part of DAERA's stringent post-import testing regime. This was not confirmed as an outbreak as there was no evidence the disease was circulating in NI.
The most likely route of disease entry to Northern Ireland is currently through the import of infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova).
All susceptible animals being imported to Northern Ireland from a BTV restricted area must comply with the relevant controls Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/689.
In addition, there is a requirement that breeding and production animals imported from BTV restricted zones will be isolated and restricted on farm until DAERA is assured through post import testing that BTV is not present.
Post import testing has been extended to include all susceptible animals imported from BTV affected countries and countries at risk. Pregnant animals imported from BTV restricted zones will remain restricted on the importing farm. Housing and isolation will be required until the animal has calved down and a negative BTV result obtained for the progeny. This is due to the possibility of the progeny being infected and being a risk to NI cattle.
The Department will keep this position under review as further information on the disease situation on mainland Europe becomes available.
For more information on the current trade conditions including the import of direct slaughter animals, please click on the links at the bottom of the page or contact Trade Section.
The Department would urge farmers to think carefully before importing cattle especially from Bluetongue affected areas. It is a timely reminder for all livestock keepers to maintain good levels of biosecurity and to remain vigilant for any signs of disease on their farms.
There is currently no vaccine permitted for use in NI.
BTV-3 Vaccination
On Wednesday 4 September 2024, the Defra Secretary of State approved three unauthorised BTV-3 vaccines.
Whilst this approval of unauthorised vaccines is UK wide, the decision to use under licence is a devolved matter.
At this juncture the use of these approved unauthorised vaccines is only licenced for the high-risk counties of England.
It is important to note that the direct movement of all live ruminants and camelids from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is still suspended and the use of approved unauthorised vaccines in England does not impact on this.
Advice Leaflet
For more information please see our Bluetongue Advice Leaflet at the link below:
It is important that farmers report early any suspicions of disease to their Private Veterinary Practitioner (PVP) or to the DAERA Helpline promptly on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting their local DAERA Direct Regional Office
Contact Details
DAERA Helpline: 0300 200 7840
DAERA Trade Section: 028 90 524588
Bluetongue Virus Webinar
A recording of our recent webinar Bluetongue Virus – Knocking On Our Door? held on 04 March 2024, in which guest speaker Margit Groenevelt DVM Dip. ECSRHM provides an insight of the Dutch experience with BTV is now available.
Control Strategy
The Bluetongue Virus Disease Control Strategy describes how an outbreak of Bluetongue Virus Disease in Northern Ireland would be managed. It sets out the measures applied in such an eventuality. It also describes the measures and wider framework in place to prevent and limit an incursion of disease. In light of the application of the EU Animal Health Law (EU Regulation 2016/429), the DAERA Bluetongue Control Strategy is currently under review.
Surveillance
Ongoing surveillance for bluetongue (and other exotic notifiable diseases) includes international disease monitoring (provided by DEFRA and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) in GB) to identify any significant changes in the level of threat of disease introduction through trade and other high risk pathways to the livestock population.
Clinical Signs
Bluetongue affects all ruminants (such as sheep, cattle, goat, deer, camels, llamas, giraffes, bison, buffalo, wildebeest and antelope). Other species such as elephants may be affected sporadically.
Although sheep are most severely affected. Cattle and goats which appear healthy can carry high levels of the virus and provide a source of further infection.
In sheep the clinical signs include:
- fever
- swelling of the head and neck
- lameness
- inflammation and ulceration of the mucous membrane of the mouth, nose and eyes
- drooling
- haemorrhages in the skin and other tissues
- respiratory problems, such as froth in the lungs and an inability to swallow
- high mortality rate
- discoloration and swelling of the tongue (rare)
Although Bluetongue usually causes no apparent illness in cattle or goats (it is possible that cattle will show no signs of illness) however clinical signs have included:
- nasal discharge
- swelling and ulceration of the mouth
- swollen teats
In all cases, animals can be infected with bluetongue ( BTV-8) before birth if the mother is infected while pregnant. Signs of infection include:
- newborn animals born small, weak, deformed or blind
- death of newborns within a few days of birth
- abortions/stillbirths
Livestock keepers and vets should consider bluetongue as a possible cause for newborns showing these signs.
If you suspect the presence of the disease, contact your local Divisional Veterinary Office immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A list of frequently asked questions regarding Bluetongue can be accessed on the Bluetongue Frequently Asked Questions page.