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.
Bluetongue is classified as a ‘notifiable disease’. This 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 of Bluetongue visit GOV.UK.
Controlling the spread of Bluetongue - England country-wide restricted zone
The whole of England is in a Bluetongue restricted zone. You can move animals within England without a specific Bluetongue licence or pre-movement testing.
You need a specific licence to freeze germinal products (semen, ova and embryo) anywhere in England and testing is required. Keepers are responsible for the cost of sampling, postage and testing. Further detail can be found in the declaration.
Read more guidance about the latest Bluetongue situation on GOV.UK.
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