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bluetongue
As if foot and mouth disease is not enough to worry about, next there is bluetongue. It effects all ruminants - i.e cows, sheep, goats, deer etc. and is worst in sheep. It is spread by midges and biting insects.
when
Sinces its first arrival in the UK, its just a matter of time before it spreads across the country...
what to look for
(from Defra factsheet:) Clinical signs in sheep: Eye and nasal discharges, Drooling as a result of ulcerations in the mouth, High body temperature, Swelling of the mouth, head and neck, Lameness Haemorrhages into or under the skin, Inflammation at the junction of the skin and the horn of the foot – the coronary band Respiratory problems – difficulty with breathing and nasal discharge A blue tongue is rarely a clinical sign of infection.
Deaths of sheep in a flock may reach as high as 70 per cent. Animals that survive the disease can lose condition with a reduction in meat and wool production.
what to do
If you suspect bluetongue - contact the Defra divisional veterinary manager
prevention
not moving animals in from a protection or control zone.
useful links
Defra - photos of clinical signs
Defra - interactive map of protection zones
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