I’m sure you are aware of the ongoing soaring cases of bluetongue serotype-3 (BTV-3) especially in the South West. The situation is extremely dynamic and so it is imperative to remain vigilant.
Keepers, please familiarise yourselves with the clinical signs of the virus. Sheep are currently more likely to show symptoms of the virus compared with cattle, clinical signs include:
• ulcers/sores in the mouth and nose
• discharge from eyes or nose
• drooling from the mouth
• swelling of the lips, tongue, head and neck and coronary bands
• high fevers
• lameness
• milk drop
• inappetence
• abortions, stillbirths & foetal abnormalities
For more information on how to recognise bluetongue, please visit the DEFRA website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/bluetongue
Please also refer to the Goat Veterinary society website: www.goatvetsociety.co.uk
If you suspect bluetongue, you must report it immediately by calling:
03000 200 301 in England
03003038268 in Wales
your local Field Services Office in Scotland
Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. This means if you do not report it, you are breaking the law.
The main prevention of animals contracting bluetongue is vaccination. The current advised vaccination protocol in goats is an initial course of two doses 3 weeks apart with a booster at 12 months (based on sheep/cattle data), please note none of the vaccines in the UK are currently licensed for goats but have been used in Europe. (attached for your information is the bluetongue vaccine comparisons table). Vets please encourage your clients to vaccinate, and share bottles between smaller herds where possible to reduce costs in hope to increase vaccination uptake, by reporting vaccine usage as appropriate.
Jessica Hagain BSc (Hons) BVSc MRCVS