Bluetongue is a vector-borne viral disease of ruminants transmitted by Culicoides midges. Infected sheep suffer significant pain and distress, and outbreaks cause major welfare and economic impacts across affected regions.
Sheep with bluetongue experience acute pain from mouth and foot lesions, high fever, difficulty eating and standing, and respiratory distress. Affected animals often stop feeding and may show severe distress behaviours. Welfare during outbreaks requires aggressive pain management, supportive care including anti-inflammatories, and humane euthanasia for severely affected animals. Prevention through vaccination where available is the most effective welfare intervention, alongside midge control and movement restrictions to limit spread.