Sheep Bluetongue Virus Prevention and Welfare

Bluetongue virus causes serious welfare harm in sheep through fever, oral lesions and lameness. Vaccination and vector control protect flocks in endemic and expanding risk regions.

Key Facts

Bluetongue is transmitted by Culicoides midges causing disease in sheep and less severely in cattle
Clinical signs include fever, swollen face and tongue, oral ulcers, lameness and respiratory distress
Climate change is expanding the range of Culicoides vectors increasing bluetongue risk in northern Europe
Effective vaccines are available for endemic serotypes protecting against clinical disease
Movement restrictions during outbreaks control spread but cause significant disruption to farm management

Welfare Considerations

Bluetongue causes significant acute suffering through fever, painful oral lesions and severe lameness. Affected sheep are unable to eat or move normally. The expanding geographic range of bluetongue due to climate change is bringing this disease to new regions requiring proactive vaccination programs before outbreaks occur. Vaccination is the primary welfare intervention preventing this painful and potentially fatal disease.

What You Can Do

Vaccinate sheep against endemic bluetongue serotypes in at-risk regions before midge season
Monitor BTV surveillance maps and vaccination availability for your region regularly
Implement midge control measures around housing and water sources to reduce vector populations
Report suspected bluetongue clinical signs to animal health authorities immediately
Follow movement restriction requirements during outbreaks to prevent spread to new areas