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
There have now been a number of confirmed cases of Bluetongue BTV3 in England and as such most of the east coast has now been placed in a ‘Restricted Zone’. This includes Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. This places certain restrictions and obligations on animal keepers, markets, abattoirs, transporters and show/event organisers.
To find out more about these restrictions and obligations visit the GOV.UK website.
