22/07/2026
BLUE TONGUE
One of our vets has recently diagnosed the first clinical case of bluetongue in our practice area in a mature dairy cow. (Pictured)
Bluetongue is a viral disease which is spread by midges and causes disease in cattle, sheep, goats and deer. Signs include fever, excessive salivation, nasal discharge, swelling of the head/tongue, lameness, birth defects, abortion, and death. Sheep are usually more severely affected, with cattle more likely to be infected without any outward signs. However, decreased milk yield and subfertility can cause significant production losses.
There are different ‘serotypes’ of the virus, and protection against one serotype does not provide protection against the other serotypes. The virus isolated in this case was serotype 3, which is the strain covered by the ‘BULTAVO 3’ vaccine accessible through the clinic.
Bluetongue is diagnosed via blood test and there is government funding available which covers the lab costs. If bluetongue is diagnosed on your farm, there is no requirement to cull the animal, and there are no movement restrictions placed on your holding.
Please feel free to call the office on 01823 663384 if you have any further questions regarding bluetongue, or if you wish to order vaccine.
