CVS Farm Vets

02/09/2026

Although liver fluke is traditionally considered an autumnal disease, the seasonality we have come to associate with it is becoming less predictable. This is largely due to the biology of its intermediate host — the mud snail — combined with increasingly unpredictable and ever-changing weather patterns. In fact, last year we saw acute cases of liver fluke infection as early as mid-April. This is a good reminder that we can no longer rely solely on the calendar when it comes to fluke control. Staying ahead of the game and incorporating fluke monitoring and control into the farm health plan is becoming increasingly important.

Senior Vet Cheshire Farm Vets Dr Angelica Mazzone PhD, MRCVS, explains more in this article: https://www.cvsfarmvets.co.uk/liver-fluke-the-new-seasonal-challenge/

19/08/2026

🦠🦟Dates for your Diaries 🦠🦟 BTV 3 Meetings across the UK

AHDB have a number of teams and in person farmers meetings across the UK planned. Registration is KEY! Places will be limited and these will be busy!

At each venue there will be APHA representatives, local vets and more.

Scan the QR code or head to: https://ahdb.org.uk/events to find a meeting near you and book your place

🦠🦟

14/08/2026

🐄🐑 Bluetongue Vaccine- Where is my vaccine? 🐄🐑

14/08/2026

🦟 Why has it been so difficult to get hold of Bluetongue vaccine? 🦟

We've had lots of questions from farmers about Bluetongue vaccine availability recently.

The simple answer is that demand has increased far more quickly than anyone expected. As Bluetongue cases have spread across more areas of the UK, many livestock keepers have understandably wanted to vaccinate their animals, leading to a significant surge in demand.

Vaccine manufacturers and wholesalers are working hard to secure additional supplies, but stocks have come under pressure nationwide.

It's important to remember that vaccine production takes time, and supply levels are often based on anticipated demand. The rapid increase in Bluetongue cases and vaccination uptake has created challenges across the industry.

If you're concerned about protecting your herd or flock, please speak to your vet team. We can advise on vaccine availability, discuss your farm's risk level, and help you develop the best plan for your livestock. 🐑🐄

13/08/2026

🐄 Bluetongue in Cattle: What Are We Seeing?

Bluetongue doesn't always look the same in every animal, but common signs in cattle include:

⚠️ Fever
⚠️ Lethargy and reduced appetite
⚠️ Redness of the eyes, mouth and nose
⚠️ Nasal discharge and crusting around the muzzle
⚠️ Mouth ulcers or lesions
⚠️ Reduced milk yield
⚠️ Lameness and reddening above the hoof
⚠️ Breathing difficulties

💧 One interesting observation we're seeing in some animals affected by the virus is a strong desire to stand in water whenever they can find it. While this isn't a recognised diagnostic sign of Bluetongue, it may reflect animals trying to cool themselves and find relief from fever, inflammation and discomfort.

🔍 With the current warm weather, it's more important than ever to keep a close eye on stock. If cattle are off-colour, standing apart from the group, seeking water excessively, or showing any of the symptoms above, speak to your vet promptly.

🐄💧

12/08/2026

We are sure you know the symptoms- we are seeing a range of different symptoms across our practices

🐑 Do You Know the Signs of Bluetongue in Sheep?

Keep a close eye on your flock for:

⚠️ Fever
⚠️ Drooling or excessive salivation
⚠️ Swelling of the lips, tongue, face or neck
⚠️ Nasal discharge and crusting around the nose
⚠️ Mouth ulcers or sores
⚠️ Redness around the eyes, nose and mouth
⚠️ Lameness or reluctance to move
⚠️ Loss of appetite and lethargy
⚠️ Breathing difficulties

Early detection is key. If you suspect Bluetongue, contact your vet immediately as it is a notifiable disease.

11/08/2026

🐑 Vaccinating: Myth vs Fact 🐄

There's a lot of discussion around Bluetongue vaccination, so let's separate fact from fiction.

❌ Myth: The vaccine causes Bluetongue.
✅ Fact: Vaccinating helps protect sheep and cattle against BTV-3 and cannot cause the disease. Mild reactions such as temporary swelling or a short-lived fever can occur as the immune system responds.

❌ Myth: My animals look healthy, so they don't need vaccinating.
✅ Fact: Vaccination works best before animals are exposed to infection, giving immunity time to develop.

❌ Myth: Bluetongue only affects sheep.
✅ Fact: Cattle can also be affected, suffering production losses and acting as a source of infection for biting midges.

💡 The best way to make an informed decision is to speak with your vet and assess the risk to your herd or flock.



https://www.cvsfarmvets.co.uk/bultavo-3-and-bluetongue/

10/08/2026

🦟 *Bluetongue Updates* 🦟

We continue to see the spread of cases heading up the country with our vets Severn Edge Farm Vets and Cheshire Farm Vets busy over the weekend with suspected cases.

Please continue to speak to you vets should you suspect a case, not only is BTV a notifiable disease but also early treatment in some cases is keeping stock alive.

🐑 Bluetongue: Key Symptoms to Watch For 🐄

Bluetongue can affect sheep, cattle, goats, and other ruminants. Be alert for:
✅ Fever
✅ Lethargy or depression
✅ Loss of appetite
✅ Excessive drooling
✅ Nasal discharge
✅ Discharge from the eyes
✅ Swelling of the lips, tongue, head, and neck
✅ Ulcers or sores in the mouth and nose
✅ Reddening of the mouth, eyes, or nose
✅ Lameness or reluctance to move
✅ Reduced milk yield in cattle
✅ Breathing difficulties
✅ Abortion, stillbirths, or fertility issues
✅ In severe cases, death

If you see ay of these please speak to your local practice.

We are working hard to secure as much vaccine as we can and our practices will continue to keep waitlists and work with all our farmers to do what we can.

https://www.cvsfarmvets.co.uk/bluetongue-and-heat-stress/

03/08/2026

Cases of Bluetongue virus (BTV-3) are continuing to rise rapidly in both sheep and cattle, with reports suggesting clinical signs are proving more severe than in previous years. Sadly, this is resulting in increased mortality, particularly in sheep.

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is encouraging sheep farmers to speak with their vet to assess the risk of Bluetongue in their flock and discuss the most appropriate measures to help protect their animals.

📅 Want the latest update?
Join AHDB and NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker for a webinar covering the current Bluetongue situation, including the latest developments and practical advice for farmers.

🗓️ Date: Wednesday 5th August

👉 Register here: https://ahdb.org.uk/events/bluetongue-virus-update-5-august

If you have any concerns about Bluetongue, would like to discuss your farm’s risk, or wish to talk about vaccination options for your livestock, please get in touch with your local practice. Our vets and dispensary teams are working hard to offer as many solutions as we can to all our clients.

Cases of bluetongue virus are rapidly increasing in both sheep and cattle. During this webinar we'll share the latest updates on the current situation.