Bluetongue is a vector-borne viral disease of ruminants transmitted by Culicoides midges that causes severe suffering in affected sheep. Vaccination programmes and midge control are the primary welfare protection tools during outbreak periods.
Acute bluetongue causes intense suffering from multiple simultaneous pain sources: ulcerated mucous membranes, inflamed feet, swollen lips and tongue, and high fever. Affected sheep are unable to feed or walk, losing body condition rapidly during illness. Welfare-centred outbreak management requires daily monitoring of all sheep with a temperature probe during high midge activity periods, prompt veterinary reporting, pre-emptive analgesia for affected animals, and where legally mandated, euthanasia of severely affected animals that cannot recover. Vaccination of the entire at-risk population before midge season is the most effective welfare intervention.