Bluetongue virus BTV3 and the current disease control measures
Bluetongue BTV3 is a viral disease which affects ruminants (such as cattle, sheep, goats, and deer) and camelids (such as alpacas and llamas). BTV3 is caused by a virus that is spread by biting midges.
How to report Bluetongue
It is classified as a ‘Notifiable disease’ which means livestock keepers have a legal obligation to report any signs of the disease in their stock to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) immediately on 03000 200 301 or the BTV hotline on 024 7771 0386.
It does not pose a risk to public health or food safety.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the type of animal. For details of symptoms and images visit the GOV.UK website.
Controlling the spread of Bluetongue
The Bluetongue restricted zone now covers the whole of cover all of England. You can now move animals within England without a specific bluetongue licence or pre-movement testing.
You will need a specific licence to freeze germinal products (semen, ova and embryo) anywhere in England and testing will be required. Keepers will be responsible for the cost of sampling, postage and testing. Further detail can be found in the declaration.
Check the guidance on www.gov.uk covering the following topics:
- moving animals in England - including farms, markets, shows and slaughterhouses
- moving animals from England to Scotland
- moving animals from England to Wales
- collecting, freezing and moving germinal product in England
To find out more about these restrictions and obligations visit the GOV.UK website.
