Bluetongue Virus (BTV-3) Update for Livestock Farmers

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has provided frequent updates on the impact of the Bluetongue Virus in livestock across the United Kingdom in recent months. Closer to home, a number of cases of Bluetongue Virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) have now been confirmed in Counties Wexford, Wicklow, Kildare and Louth. Sadly, this has included one sheep flock where several rams died. To date, all animals that developed clinical disease were unvaccinated. Vigilance remains important as the risk of further spread persists.

Clinical Signs to be aware of:

In Sheep

Sheep have been the most severely affected species. Common signs include:

  • Swelling of the face and lips
  • Mouth lesions, ulcers and erosions, often accompanied by excessive drooling
  • Lameness, including swelling around the coronary bands
  • Lethargy
  • Fever
  • In severe cases, mortality

Cattle

Clinical signs in cattle may include:

  • Crusting of the muzzle and teats
  • Mouth ulcers and lesions
  • Lameness and stiffness of the limbs
  • Fever

Vaccination Advice

Any farmers who have not yet vaccinated stock should strongly consider vaccination. Valley Veterinary, along with veterinary practices nationwide, strongly encourages Bluetongue (BTV) vaccination of cattle and sheep. Vaccination of breeding animals is especially important given BTV infection affects fertility (infertility, early embryonic death or abortion) and the virus can be transmitted in semen during mating. Vaccination can help reduce viraemia, lessen the impact of clinical disease, and decrease the risk of further spread within the national herd and flock.

Please note:

  • Cattle require approximately six weeks to develop full immunity following vaccination.
  • Sheep require approximately three weeks to develop full immunity following vaccination.

Key Facts

✅ Bluetongue does not affect human health.
✅ Bluetongue does not impact food safety.
✅ Vaccination is a valuable tool in protecting livestock against the clinical disease and production losses associated with Bluetongue.

If you have concerns about Bluetongue Virus, notice any suspicious clinical signs, or would like to discuss vaccination options for your herd or flock, please don’t hesitate to contact our team. Any suspected cases of Bluetongue Virus should be reported immediately to your Regional Veterinary Office and the appropriate blood sampling should be performed and submitted to any of the 5 laboratories officially designated for BTV PCR Analysis.

Valley Veterinary is here to support you with advice, vaccination planning, and disease prevention measures to help protect your livestock.