Bluetongue (BTV) is a notifiable disease and suspect cases must be reported to DAERA.

The virus affects all ruminants, though sheep are most severely impacted.

Clinical signs to observe in sheep include ulcers or sores in the mouth and nose, eye or nasal discharge, and drooling. In addition, swelling of the lips, tongue, head, and neck is common.

Feet may feel hot and tender where the skin meets the horn. Other signs include breathing difficulties, lameness, reluctance to move, and loss of appetite.

Adult cattle may be infectious for several weeks whilst showing little to no signs of disease.

Signs

Clinical signs in cattle include lethargy, crusting around nostrils and muzzle, nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, excessive tear staining, reddening of the teats, milk drop, and loss of appetite.

Lambs and calves can become infected if the dam has been infected during pregnancy. Indicators include small, weak, deformed, or blind offspring, with death often occurring within days of birth.

If farms experience increased barren rates, abortions, foetal abnormalities and stillbirths they should also be investigated.