A virus deadly for farm animals has been found in the UK after a ‘rapid increase’ across Europe.
There was a ‘high probability’ a new strain of the bluetongue virus – known as BTV-3 – would soon hit British shores, the government warned in May.
It would likely arrive through infected biting midges blown over from northern Europe, where officials say cases are rapidly rising.
Now the virus has been detected in a single sheep near Haddiscoe in South Norfolk, believed to be the first of the 2024/2025 season.
That sheep will be killed, while the movement of cattle, sheep and other farm animals and products is restricted within a 20km control zone around it.
Officials hope this will reduce transmission of a virus that’s rapidly spread in the Netherlands and Germany.
Cases have also been reported in France, Luxembourg and Denmark.
No, humans can’t catch bluetongue. Although the disease can be fatal for animals like goats, deer and llamas, it can’t be passed to humans.
They mainly catch it from midge bites.
Meat and milk from infected animals remains safe to consume.
Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer Ele Brown said:’Bluetongue does not pose a threat to human health or food safety, but the disease can impact livestock farms, and cause productivity issues.
‘This is the first animal in England that has shown clinical signs and been unwell from infection with bluetongue.
‘This detection is a clear reminder of the threat of the disease: farmers and their vets must remain vigilant and report any suspicions to APHA.’
In sheep, the virus can cause sores in the mouth and nose, discharge from eyes, nose and mouth, and swollen lips, tongue, head and neck.
Cows can have crusty erosions around the nostrils and muzzle, redness of the mouth, eyes, nose, teats, and skin above the hoof.
They can also be lethargic, low appetite, have fever, or nasal discharge.
Bluetongue disease can be fatal for infected animals. However, they are often put down upon detection in an attempt to reduce transmission.
There is no cure for bluetongue, but vets may treat symptoms and limit complications using antibiotics.
Free testing is available for farmers planning to move certain animals out of high-risk counties into lower-risk counties.
Currently the high-risk counties are Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Kent and East Sussex.
Farmers may be encouraged to vaccinate their livestock as, once the virus is in the midge population, culling ‘is unlikely to be a proportional or effective control measure’, according to government guidance.
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