What is Bluetongue?
Bluetongue is a viral infection that can be carried by biting midges. It can effect ruminants such as Cattle and Sheep, as well as Camelids, such as Alpacas and Llamas. In a very small number of cases it has been confirmed in dogs which have eaten infected material such as afterbirth. It does not effect people or food safety.
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To combat the spread of the virus the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) have implemented a restricted area, animals must be tested before leaving this area when the risk is considered high.
What should I look out for?
Sheep
Sheep are more likely to show obvious symptoms than cattle
​​Symptoms of Bluetongue in sheep include:
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Ulcers or sores in the mouth
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Discharge from eyes or drooling
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Swelling of lips, tongue, head, neck or coronary band (the area between the hoof and leg)
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Abortion, deformed lambs or stillbirths
Cattle
Cattle can be infectious for some time before showing symptoms
​​Symptoms of Bluetongue in cattle include:
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​Lethargy and loss of appetite
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Erosions around mouth and nose
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Reddening above the hoof
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Nasal Discharge
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Reduced milk production
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Abortion, deformed calves and stillbirths