Further bluetongue cases in Kent

All five animals will be humanely culled to minimise the risk of onward transmission. The TCZ is not being extended and movement restrictions continue to apply to cattle, sheep and other ruminants in the zone.

The first case of the emerging BTV-3 strain was confirmed in Kent in November and there have now been a total of 19 cases on eight different holdings. 

There is currently still no evidence that bluetongue virus is circulating in Great Britain and surveillance is ongoing, the Ruminant Health & Welfare group said.

Cattle do not often show clear signs of disease so owners should also look out for signs of fatigue and lower productivity including reduced milk yield. However, signs may include:

• Crusty erosions around the nostrils and muzzle 
• Redness of the mouth, eyes, nose 
• Redding of the skin above the hoof 
• Nasal discharge 
• Reddening and erosions on the teats.

Signs in sheep include: 

• Lethargy, reluctance to move 
• Crusty erosions around the nostrils and on the muzzle 
• Discharge of mucus and drooling from mouth and nose 
• Swelling of the muzzle, face and above the hoof 
• Reddening of the skin above the hoof 
• Redness of the mouth, eyes, nose 
• Breathing problems 
• Erosions on the teats.

Suspicion of BTV in animals in England must be reported to the Animal and Plant Health Agency on 03000 200 301. In Wales, contact 0300 303 8268.

For more information visit: https://ruminanthw.org.uk/bluetongue-virus/#:~:text=BTV%20is%20a%20notifiable%20disease,Wales%2C%20contact%200300%20303%208268.