Bluetongue on the spread

In describing last weekend's visit to the Wiltshire Horn Society show and sale with a friend, I mentioned in passing recent concerns about Bluetongue disease, particularly in East Anglia much of which had been placed under a restriction Zone. The very next day after the sale one of my friend's sheep began to display indicative symptoms. A DEFRA vet visited (its a notifiable disease) and Bluetongue disease was subsequently confirmed, and in this case the sheep in question died later in the week. 

With further cases being reported the Restriction Zone has now been extended to include all of Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Greater London, Surrey and East Sussex.

Although Bluetongue disease can affect all ruminants, sheep are more likely to show obvious clinical signs  than cattle if they become infected with bluetongue virus. Signs of bluetongue in sheep include:

• ulcers or sores in the mouth and nose
• discharge from the eyes or nose and drooling from mouth
• swelling of the lips, tongue, head and neck and the coronary band (where the skin of the leg meets the horn of the foot)

The Bluetongue virus is transmitted by biting midges of the genus Culicoides  and not normally from direct contact with infected animals. There are different strains of the virus which vary in their potential seriousness. Peak midge populations occur during the late summer and autumn in Europe and therefore this is the time when Bluetongue is most commonly seen.  The midges can be carried very large distances on the wind (over 200km) and this has been the primary way Bluetongue is introduced into new areas. It was once largely confined to tropical and sub-tropical areas but climate change has made it an increasing problem in temperate regions.

Our vet has offered a vaccine which although might not prevent the disease can mitigate symptoms. Otherwwise all that can be done is remain vigilant and hope for the weather to change so it is less conducive to midges. 

Our ewes today with a one of the 'accidental'
July born lambs to the left. 
All look healthy.