Modern farming is never going to be easy because of its intensive nature and the widespread movement of animals that ultimately allows the spread of disease. We must remain ever vigilant and continue to rely on science and diagnostics to improve on farm health. Schmallenberg showed us that even with the best vigilance possible, we will have emerging diseases that bring new challenges.

As vets and farmers, our attitudes should be never to presume anything, but always ask questions and investigate problems. New diseases can be frustrating in many ways because there are no treatments and often their spread is sometimes beyond our control. This does not mean that we can give up – we must strive to make early diagnoses and have a clear understanding of the mechanisms of any new disease we face.

This has never so apparent following the emergence of a new disease on our shores in recent months called Besnoitiosis. Also with bluetongue apparently spreading on the continent, we must prepare ourselves for the potential arrival on these shores next summer. Although actions sometimes at farm level may seem limited, it is good to know your risks. It will be important also with the help of co-ordination at national level limit where possible the spread of these new diseases.

ADVERTISEMENT

I constantly want to remind farmers that our first focus should be on the common diseases. “Common things are common”. I think this article is about raising awareness and explaining symptoms and certainly not for scaring people.

Firstly to talk about besnoitiosis. This is a protozoan blood parasite that is commonly being found in Europe. The mechanism by which it is spread is still clearly not understood. It has been speculated that the main way it is spread is by flies but also could be spread by direct contact from animal to animal or both.

What I think is important at farm level is to know the potential symptoms. If suspicions arise then actions or diagnostics should be taken. The disease seems to have two phases. In the short term, animals get sick, not unlike with respiratory viruses. There can be swelling of the lymph nodes and in some cases severe weight loss. Chronically infected animals can show skin symptoms which can often look like photosensitisation. The skin becomes thickened and folded and is referred to as elephant skin. This can happen over a period of weeks after the initial infection. Ultimately you will see small cysts developing in the eyes and vulva. It is usually only small numbers of the herd seem to be infected and can be mild to some more severely affected. In bulls if can often cause infertility issues when affected.

Due to the fact at the moment we don’t know how widespread it is or how it is most likely spread, we are in a situation where we must be aware of its presence and track its prevalence. This information then could be used at national level to produce some sort of risk analysis. There is unfortunately no treatment available for this disease.

Bluetongue

Another disease we potentially must watch out for is bluetongue. This is a viral disease affecting mostly sheep but also cattle. It is being reported in France and Europe a lot this summer. It is spread by biting midges (culicoides species) so ultimately next spring we should be at least aware of the disease. In brief, it causes high temperatures initially, with some swelling in the lungs. Often, after initial reactions, sheep especially will show swelling around the mouth, lips, eyes and coronary bands often leading them to be lame also. Cattle can show these symptoms also but often less commonly than sheep. It is the reaction around the mouth that often reduces food intake due to pain that can lead to weight loss. Some severely affected sheep will have a swollen protruding tongue (bluetongue).

Again this is only a brief description of both diseases and is for the purpose of awareness not for the purpose of scaring people. I think any unusual clinical symptoms should be investigated by your own vet. Most importantly remembering that “common things are common”.