Bluetongue (BTV-3) Outbreak

The latest outbreak of bluetongue virus (BTV-3) is a rapidly developing situation – by the time this is on our website, there will probably already be changes to the number and spread of cases, where the control zones are, and a vaccine strategy!

At the point of writing (30/09/24), the current outbreak is localised to the east coast, with a Restricted Zone covering the south east and east midlands. The virus is spread by biting midges, and the initial cases can be traced to infected midges being blown over from continental Europe. These insects are weak fliers, so mainly rely on prevailing wind to travel – it is unlikely that they will move as far west as Somerset, but not impossible, so we will continue to monitor the situation (and the weather forecast) closely!

You may have heard of animals testing positive for the virus closer to home – there have been a couple of cases (e.g. in North Devon) where animals have been imported, or moved from the east region before it became a Restricted Zone. In these cases, the animal picked up the virus before arriving in the south west, and APHA have not created new Temporary Control Zones here.

Movement restrictions are imposed, which will cover both live animals and germinal products (ova, semen, and embryos). Once in a Restricted Zone, animals cannot be moved out again, unless going directly to the abattoir, or if the keeper applies for a specific licence from APHA – the animal or germinal product will then be required to have pre-movement and post-movement BTV-3 testing (free of charge to the keeper).

Keepers in High-Risk Areas will be eligible for free BTV-3 testing if they meet certain criteria, for example, if an animal is being moved from a High-Risk Area to the south west. There will be a lot of overlap between High-Risk Areas and Restricted Zones (at the time of writing, all High-Risk Areas were also part of a Restricted Zone!)

These are set up as an area of around 20km radius of a confirmed case. The same rules apply in these as in Restricted Zones. As the name implied, these are intended to be temporary – they may be removed if the outbreak is contained, or if more animals in a TCZ test positive, then the zone may be merged with existing Restricted Zones.

You can check where the different zones are at using the interactive APHA Bluetongue virus map.

• Be especially vigilant if buying in stock from High-Risk Areas, and if you do, ensure it has been tested. If buying in from a Restricted Zone, the animal(s) must have a post-movement test too
• This will also apply to importing animals – the Netherlands have been badly affected, with cases also reported in neighbouring countries
• Remember that movement restrictions also cover germinal products – if you use AI (Artificial Insemination) in your herd, check where this is sourced from and what tests have been carried out
• The restrictions do not affect animals moving into Restricted Zones, so you can still sell stock to the east region

DEFRA has now approved the use of three BTV-3 vaccines, but it should be noted that these do not claim to prevent the disease, only reduce viraemia (levels of virus in the bloodstream) in infected animals. They are currently categorised as “unauthorised vaccines”, so cannot be used outside the High-Risk Areas without specific permission from APHA.

Be aware that there are multiple strains of bluetongue, and these approved vaccines are specifically effective against serotype 3, the strain currently circulating in the country. Older vaccines will be specific for different strains e.g. serotype 8, so will not be of use.

Finally, remember that BTV-3 is a notifiable disease, so it is a legal requirement to call APHA on 03000 200 301 if you suspect a case.