Bluetongue Restricted Zone
The Vale of Glamorgan, along with other South East Wales Local
Authorities has been declared a Bluetongue Restricted Zone.
This means that for the first time, parts of Wales are now
within 150km of a confirmed case of Bluetongue Disease.
We are currently in the “vector-free period”, when the midge
which carries bluetongue is less likely to be active. Currently,
animals can move from the Zone into a disease free area subject to
a negative pre-movement test.
Once this period is over farmers within the Restricted and
Surveillance Zone are not able to take their animals into the
disease free area unless they are going direct to slaughter at an
authorized slaughterhouse.
Animals can be taken into the Zone from a free area but cannot
return unless there is another “vector-free period”. Animals can
travel within the Zones.
How to spot the disease
Clinical signs can vary between species. Although symptoms are
generally more severe in sheep, cattle can occasionally show signs
of disease. Cattle are important in epidemiology of Bluetongue as
they act as an often silent source of Bluetongue Virus (BTV) – a
reservoir for disease and keep the infection circulating. It is
important to be vigilant, especially in the case of sheep. If you
suspect any signs of the disease you must report this immediately
to your local Animal Health Office on 02920 768500.
Clinical signs in sheep:
- Eye and nasal discharges
- Drooling as a result of ulcerations in the mouth
- High body temperature
- Swelling of the mouth, head and neck
- Lameness
- Haemorrhages into or under the skin
- Inflammation at the junction of the skin and the horn of the
foot – the coronary band
- Respiratory problems – difficulty with breathing and nasal
discharge
- A blue tongue is rarely a clinical sign of infection
- Deaths of sheep in a flock may reach as high as 70 per cent.
Animals that survive the disease can lose condition with a
reduction in meat and wool production.
Clinical signs in cattle: It is possible that cattle will show
no signs of illness, however clinical signs have included:
- Nasal discharge
- Swelling of the head and neck
- Conjunctivitis (runny eyes)
- Swelling in, and ulceration, of the mouth
- Swollen teats
- Tiredness
- Saliva drooling out of the mouth
What should farmers do?
Livestock keepers should consider where they send their animals
for tack and breeding purposes in view of those parts of the
country under restrictions. They should also be aware of the
disease risk associated with sourcing animals from bluetongue
infected areas.
Farmers should remain vigilant for clinical signs of the disease
in sheep and cattle, and as ever practice good bio-security.
If you suspect any signs of the disease you must report this to
your local Animal Health Divisional Office – Cardiff 02920
768500.
Further information, including a map of the Zone and additional
guidance is available on www.wales.gov.uk/bluetongue