BTV-3 update: Everything we know about the current situation

Defra has now confirmed BTV-3 at 56 premises across Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex, Kent and East Riding of Yorkshire, since the first case on 26^th August 2024.

A restricted zone (RZ) was initially implemented in Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex, and since expanded to cover East Riding of Yorkshire, City of Kingston upon Hull, part of Lincolnshire, all of Kent, East Sussex and parts of Greater London East.

Farmers in these counties are eligible to vaccinate their animals using the new general licence.

BTV-3 update

AHDB recently hosted a bluetongue update from Defra and APHA experts, who shared advice on adhering to the RZ rules, how to protect animals, and the emergency BTV-3 vaccines.

The bluetongue update webinar attracted over 1,400 people and one listener said farmers were distressed at the lack of communication. 

Chief vet Christine Middlemiss recognised the impact of the measures on farmers and said Defra is “walking the line” between risk of disease spread and placing undue burdens on farmers.

What does the restricted zone allow and prohibit?

The RZ places movement controls on susceptible animals (cattle, sheep, goats, deer and other ruminants and camelids including llamas and alpacas) and their germinal products (embryos, ovum, semen).

The rules for movements from inside to outside the RZ:

• If animals are being transported direct to a designated slaughterhouse outside the RZ in England and Wales, a general licence will be needed, if the animal will be immediately slaughtered (between one hour after sunrise and two hours before sunset)
• If you are under a bluetongue restriction notice and wish to move animals, you must apply for a specific licence
• For all other movements, including moves to live to premises outside the RZ, a specific licence will be needed
• You cannot move animals to a market outside the RZ. Animals purchased at a market inside the zone, cannot be moved outside it. This is being kept under review
• To move germinal products from susceptible animals out of the zone you must obtain a specific licence. 

Rules for movements within the RZ:

• Keepers do not need a licence to move to a slaughterhouse within the RZ and the slaughterhouse does not need to be designated
• You do not need a licence to move susceptible animals into or within the RZ
• Shows and gatherings are permitted within the RZ but animals cannot leave the zone
• You cannot move an animal within the RZ if it shows clinical signs of bluetongue on the day of transport
• To freeze germinal products in the RZ, you must obtain a specific licence. You can move germinal products within the zone.

Gordon Hickman, Defra’s head of exotic disease policy advised farmers to apply for licences as early as possible as they take up to five days to process – the more complicated or risky the case, the longer it is likely to take.

Farmers should also have a contingency plan in place should the application be refused, he added.

When moving animals, check for signs of disease and spray inside the vehicle with an approved insecticide, making sure it’s dry before loading animals, particularly if they are going to slaughter to avoid falling foul of withdrawal periods.

Mr Hickman stressed the importance of only moving animals if absolutely necessary, if you are in the RZ.

All land including any temporary lets and buildings should also be registered, and farmers should sign up for APHA disease alerts and source animals responsibly.

READ MORE: Defra grants emergency use of three BTV-3 vaccines

What signs are being seen?

Few cattle in the UK are showing clinical signs of BTV-3 but those that are symptomatic may have pain in the feet, red nose, ulceration or crusting around muzzle, exudate and lacrimation and teat lesions.

In sheep, signs include: fever, lameness, salivation, crusting around nostrils, nasal discharge, ulcers in the mouth, bleeding of lips, facial swelling (lips, gums, muzzle) and respiratory distress. 

Other signs include being depressed and not eating, or being recumbent/lying down.

Some affected animals are recovering but some are then becoming ill again, said Sascha Van Helvoort, APHA veterinary lead.

She advised farmers to treat affected animals to alleviate pain where necessary – anti-inflammatories have been shown to be effective.

How to protect livestock

Evidence from Holland suggests insecticides may not be very effective in preventing bluetongue but could be useful if there is active disease as the midge will die after biting the treated animal. 

Listeners were advised to look for insecticides that are effective against flying and biting insects. 

Ms Van Helvoort noted the importance of checking withdrawal periods, as they can be long.

Additionally, housed animals in Holland have proved to be less prone to midge bites. 

Mr Hickman recommended housing cattle at dawn and dusk when midges are most active, but noted this may not always be practical.

Ventilation and vector screens within housing are also useful, while shearing increases the risk of midge bites.

If vaccines are being used they must be administered with a different needle for each animal to prevent spread of BTV-3.  

Ms Van Helvoort also warned about the risks of disease spread when foot trimming – so all equipment must be disinfected between uses.

New vaccines 

Three unauthorised vaccines (Syvazul BTV3, Bultavo-3 and Bluevac-3) are being rolled out in England, starting in the five high-risk counties: Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Kent and East Sussex. 

There will also be an option to apply for a specific licence outside these areas if there’s considered to be a real benefit to the farming business, e.g., if the farm has at-risk breeds or high yielding dairy cows etc.

Depending on demand, it could be opened up to the south coast, then the rest of England at a later date.

A decision on vaccine availability in Scotland and Wales will be made by the Scottish and Welsh governments separately.

Unlike current bluetongue vaccines, the new vaccines for BTV-3 are suppressive rather than preventative, Mr Hickman said. 

Whilst they don’t prevent infection or infectiousness, they do reduce clinical signs and mortality rates.

As a result, movement controls and trade restrictions will still apply to vaccinated animals.

Farmers will be able to administer the vaccine if medical records are maintained and made available for inspection, but it will need to be prescribed and supplied by a vet.

Bultavo 3 is an inactivated injectable vaccine. In sheep, it has been shown to significantly reduce viraemia and prevent mortality and clinical signs associated with BTV-3 infection, Boehringer Ingelheim says. 

Onset of immunity occurs three weeks after administration of a single 1ml subcutaneous dose in sheep. In cattle, two 1ml intramuscular doses are required, at a three-week interval. 

For those interested in vaccinating, speakers advised looking at the product characteristics of each vaccine, then speaking to their vet. 

Oli Maxwell, clinical director at Green Counties Vets., said: “Farmers are justifiably concerned about BTV-3 and its incursion into the UK again this year. Reports from colleagues on the continent regarding the severity of clinical signs, especially in sheep are worrying.

“We have seen a huge increase in clients asking about the disease, progress on a vaccine and what this may mean for animal movements at a critical time of year. 

“The availability of a safe and effective vaccine as a critical tool against a disease that we can’t reasonably prevent with biosecurity measures will be a welcome development for many.”

How to report BTV 

BTV is a notifiable disease. Suspicion of BTV in animals must be reported to:

• England: APHA, 03000 200 301
• Wales: APHA, 03003 038 268
• Scotland: Contact your local Field Services Office 
• Northern Ireland: Report to the DAERA helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.

Read more livestock news.