05/08/2026
**Bluetongue Update**
Bluetongue is a viral disease of ruminants, including sheep, cattle, goats, and camelids. It is spread by biting midges, and clinical signs can include:
• Fever
• Swollen faces and lips
• Lameness
• Lethargy
• Sadly, death
The disease is notifiable, so any suspicion should be reported to your vet and APHA. APHA will fund testing on 3 samples but will NOT pay for the cost of the visit or sampling time.
As it can look similar to some other notifiable diseases, e.g., Foot and Mouth, it is important that a vet attends to rule these out.
There is no specific treatment, so we provide supportive care in the form of antibiotics and anti-inflammatories. Vaccination is an important part of protecting your animals and preventing the spread of the disease. It is important to remember needles can potentially transfer disease between animals, so disinfection is very important.
If you would like to discuss Bluetongue, suspect it in your flock, or order some vaccine, please contact the office on 01425657700 to speak to one of the team.
Click here for further information https://ahdb.org.uk/clinical-signs-of-bluetongue
