Bluetongue Is In The UK: Everything You Need To Know About The Midge-Borne Disease

Cows This month, the government noted multiple cases of a new “bluetongue” virus called BTV-3 in the UK. It is mainly spread through biting midges and affects sheep, cattle, other ruminants like deer and goats, and camelids such as llamas and alpacas. It does not affect people or create any food safety issues for us. But the government says, “Outbreaks can result in prolonged animal movement and trade restrictions.” Rarely, it can also affect dogs and other meat-eating animals if they eat infected meat (like the afterbirth from an infected mother). What is bluetongue, and why is BTV-3 different? Bluetongue is a virus that causes illness and sometimes death in animals. The UK has had a variation of Bluetongue, BTV-8, before in 2007. But BTV-3 is new and seems severe.It was spotted in 2023 after its first appearance in the Netherlands and seemed to have been controlled here at first.In 2024, however, it came back and has since established itself. It seems to be especially dangerous for sheep. The disease can lead to swelling of the nose and throat, discharge from the eyes, nose, and mouth, swelling, fever, and not eating. In sheep and cows, it can cause death, birth defects, miscarriage, stillbirths, and weak, blind, or deformed offspring. This naturally has an effect on milk and meat supplies.Sometimes, it can cut off blood supply to animals’ tongues (hence the name), though this is rare.Where in the UK is affected by bluetongue?All of England is considered a “restricted” zone as of the time of writing. There are also movement restrictions and testing in place in Scotland, Wales and Ireland. High-risk counties, as of 23 July, include: East Riding of YorkshireLincolnshireNorfolkSuffolkEssexKentEast Sussex, per DEFRA.You can check out this interactive map to find the affected areas.What should I do if I spot, or suspect, bluetongue?If you think you have spotted a case of bluetongue, you are required by law to report it immediately because it is a notifiable disease. If you suspect blue tongue, contact:03000 200 301 in England 03003 038 268 in Wales your local Field Services Office in Scotlandat once. Related...The Nutrient Linked To Lower Cancer, Heart Disease, And Dementia RiskI'm A Cardiologist, These 6 Easily Overlooked Symptoms Could Signal Heart DiseaseUK Gardeners Urged To Remove This 1 Thing From Gardens Now To Prevent Disease

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Bluetongue has been detected in England. Here’s what you should know

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