NSA and SVS issue guidance as bluetongue cases expand rapidly approaching the sheep sales season

The National Sheep Association (NSA) and the Sheep Veterinary Society (SVS) are working together to provide helpful, practical guidance for UK farmers as the number of bluetongue (BTV) cases continue to rise and we approach the time of year when breeding and store sheep sales peak.

High seasonal temperatures have meant that many UK farmers are struggling with both food and water supplies. These challenges have now been compounded by rapidly growing cases of BTV-3.

NSA Chief Executive, Phil Stocker and Phillipa Page, President Sheep Veterinary Society say in a joint statement:

“The emergence of BTV-3 cases across the UK is rapidly growing. The south west is dealing with an unprecedented number of reported cases, and we also know that there is a time lag in reporting, so the situation is far worse than the figures suggest. It is unfortunate that the likely peak of the disease will coincide with the most active time for the trade of breeding stock across the UK. We must acknowledge that there are risks involved with moving animals in the face of a disease outbreak, even though the vector for disease transmission is a midge. Trade is important but so is the protection of our livestock from a disease that many are finding devastating, and we must find ways of being highly careful and responsible.

“There is no risk of direct transmission of bluetongue from animal to animal. It is a notifiable disease and so all cases must be reported. This is a disease that could easily be confused with other BT variants and Foot and Mouth disease.

“We have put together this clear guidance for buyers and sellers to understand and appreciate the risks. The focus here is buyer beware - your decisions could impact on your own flock health and that of your neighbours.”

• It is clear that the disease is more widespread than the official figures, due to the lack of reporting and a delay in reported figures. This means the risk and spread is potentially greater than the figures suggest.
• Unvaccinated animals, that are apparently healthy at the time of sale, may already have been infected with the disease, which can cause infertility, and bringing them onto farm could risk establishing new pockets of infectivity. We would encourage owners to consider high levels of quarantining, observation and fertility testing before using the rams this breeding season.
• Animals vaccinated 28 days before the sale may still be a risk if they faced active disease before their vaccination has taken effect. So again, quarantine and observation is important.
• Unvaccinated animals that are bitten by midges immediately before the sale, at the sale or immediately after the sale can develop disease in the following days or weeks.
• Vaccination and completion of immunity build up periods before either the sale or being bitten by an infected midge is the best way to protect animals. Fully vaccinated animals are likely to be actively sought by buyers this season.

NSA and SVS encourage you to discuss these points with your vet and make decisions to best protect your purchases and your home flock. Especially, if they have not yet been vaccinated. Concerns around vaccine supplies are appreciated and we encourage an early conversation with your vet to minimise risks.