BLUETONGUE

Bluetongue: a rapidly escalating situation that demands immediate action

We are now seeing a very sharp increase in bluetongue suspect reports across the country. To give a sense of scale, in the first three weeks of the new reporting season commencing 1^st July there were approximately seventy one suspect cases of BTV . Not all of these will become confirmed disease, but the trend was already concerning.

This week alone, excluding today, there have been five hundred and ninety suspect reports. That number speaks for itself. It represents an extraordinary rise in suspicion of disease and it will place massive pressure on the teams who must go onto farms, collect samples and carry out testing. The system is already under strain and the volume of reports will make it harder to respond quickly.

Severe clinical signs are now being recognised in sheep flocks. This is a significant development. For the last two years bluetongue has been impactful but largely silent and invisible in cattle. When sheep begin to show clear clinical signs, it is a strong indicator that the virus is circulating at scale. Once sheep are affected, the consequences for cattle become far more serious. We can expect empty cows, abortions and the birth of non viable calves, this is not theoretical It is what the disease does when it gains momentum.

As ever, the best advice is to speak ,directly with your private vet as vaccination remains the strongest protection available. Depending on your calving period and when bulls were turned out, the mating season is likely to be nearing an end. However, bluetongue can take up to fourteen days to show itself. In the areas with high prevalence it is likely that the virus has been circulating for several weeks already. In many herds that will have been right in the middle of the bulling period.

Experience tells us that males can be severely affected. Please keep a very close eye on bulls, especially those you believe are still active. Any sign of lethargy, reluctance to move, fever or swelling should be taken seriously. A compromised bull at this point in the season can have long term consequences for herd fertility.

Although the highest current prevalence is in North Devon, there are already signs of suspect cases appearing in Dorset and Wiltshire. With more than five hundred and ninety suspect cases reported this week alone, and with the natural time lag in the reporting and confirmation process, it is highly likely that the disease is already well established in other regions. So far, all confirmed cases have been BTV3.

This is a fast-moving situation, the numbers are rising and the risk is real and immediate. Every producer must take this seriously. Vaccinate now, protect your cattle, and plan ahead for next spring. The cost of inaction will be far greater than the cost of prevention.

RESOURCES 

STEAKHOLDERS PODCAST EP9 BLUETONGUE SPECIAL:  https://youtu.be/i74FkW8jDMA?si=YM1_DsjNOudFsjRx

STEAKHOLDERS PODCAST EP4 BLUETONGUE SPECIAL: https://youtu.be/ib4O2he4fWI?si=pH5gNP57P-MEDimd

 

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