Calls are busy at the moment but bluetongue is a big topic of conversation.
Bluetongue is a viral disease that has spread up through Europe. It affects cattle and sheep and some other species.
It does not spread directly from animal to animal but rather needs a midge to transfer it.
Transmission really only occurs at warmer temperatures so in Ireland, the main risk for transmission is the summer and autumn months.
However, once an animal gets infected, they can remain viraemic, or infectious, for several months explaining the positive animals found in Wexford recently.
Symptoms and effects
Bluetongue, as the name suggests, causes a blue tongue – this is as a result of damage to peripheral blood vessels around the mouth, muzzle and tongue.
Blisters and sores can be a symptom.
Disease tends to be more severe in sheep than in cattle.
However, a big concern is the effect on the foetus when pregnant animals become affected.
In such cases, high empty rates, embryonic death, abortions and calves born with congenital birth defects including brain abnormalities can be seen. Calves can be born infected too.
Of particular concern is the relationship between stage of pregnancy and the midge season in our very seasonal cattle production system.
Prevention
Vaccination is the only effective control measure and the benefits of the vaccine have been seen across Europe over the last year or so.
The vaccine has recently become available in Ireland.
The full details of vaccination regimes should be discussed with your own vet to plan timings and protocols.
The aim should be to vaccinate before the breeding season.
The use of insect control products on cattle and sheep has been much discussed as a control measure and whilst it may be of some benefit, it certainly cannot be relied upon to control disease or stop spread.
Other midge control options have been muted but none of the suggestions to date have proved practical or effective.
Donal Lynch MVB, XL Vets, Slieve Bloom Veterinary, Tullamore, Co Offaly
SHARING OPTIONS