Bluetongue is back in the UK: What Farmers Need to Know!

Bluetongue, a virus that primarily affects sheep and cattle, has reared its head once again in the UK. While the virus doesn’t impact humans, it’s a different story for livestock, with the disease spreading through bites from infected midges.

Everything You Need To Know

What is Bluetongue? Bluetongue is caused by the Bluetongue Virus (BTV). It can lead to a range of symptoms in livestock, from mild discomfort to severe disease, including swelling of the head, eyes, and mouth, fever, and lameness. In sheep, it can be particularly serious, though cattle often show milder symptoms. The virus can't be passed directly between animals – instead, midges act as little winged delivery agents, passing it on with a bite.

How Does it Spread? While midges may sound like your average nuisance pest, they play a huge role in spreading this disease. Bluetongue outbreaks usually happen when biting midges of the Culicoides species carry the virus over from Europe, where cases have been more common. Given the rise in cases recently, it's clear our tiny flying friends have made the leap across the channel. 

Looking for Symptoms: 

Bluetongue does not always show signs or symptoms within livestock however there is still a chance it can. Symptoms report differently within sheep and cattle so check below the different symptoms to be aware: 

What Should Farmers Do?

First off, don’t panic! Prevention and protection are key here. For starters, farmers should:

• Stay Informed: Keeping up with updates is essential. The National Farmers Union (NFU) and other agricultural bodies have regular updates and advice. Make sure you’re checking in frequently to get the latest scoop.
• Vaccinate: Vaccines are available and are your first line of defence. If your livestock hasn’t already been vaccinated, now is the time to have that conversation with your vet. The vaccine is great to help reduce the level of severity and mortality of your sheep and cattle. For more information on the vaccine check our Farmer’s Weekly’s blog here: 
• Monitor Your Livestock: Keep a close eye on your sheep and cattle. If you notice any unusual symptoms, such as swelling, fever, or changes in behaviour, it’s better to be safe and get them checked out by a vet.

Can It Be Controlled? Bluetongue is a tricky one, as it's not about stopping the animals from spreading it but rather the midges. However, thanks to vaccination campaigns and vigilant monitoring, we’ve got plenty of tools to keep this in check. Still, with cases on the rise, it’s a good time to refresh your farm's biosecurity practices.

How Lodi UK Can Help: 

We know how frustrating it can be trying to keep those pesky midges away from your livestock. Here at Lodi, we offer a range of on-farm insect control products to help reduce the chance of infection. Our concentrates and ready-to-use products combine an effective residual with excellent knock-down performance, as keeping the livestock’s living space clean and tidy will lower the chance of the virus spreading.

Looking Ahead: While bluetongue cases are concerning, the situation is being closely monitored by UK authorities. By staying on top of the news, getting the jab for your livestock, and keeping a close eye on any symptoms, you can protect your herd and reduce the risk of further outbreaks.

It’s not all doom and gloom – midges might be a headache, but with the right steps, bluetongue can be kept at bay. Let’s keep those cows mooing and sheep baaing, healthy and happy!