Bluetongue Virus (BTV-3

Bluetongue Virus has caused significant increases in farm losses in livestock in the United Kingdom in recent weeks. 

The Irish Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine (DAFM) has communicated the current situation in Great Britain where there has been a significant increase in the number of Bluetongue cases with clinical signs, particularly in Southwest England and Wales, since the beginning of July 2026. 

 Clinical signs described include: 

– In sheep swollen face/lips, lesions (ulcers, erosions) in mouth (with drooling), lameness (swollen coronary bands observed), lethargy, fever and some mortality. Sheep flocks have been most affected.

– In cattle crusting of the muzzle and teats, lesions (ulcers) in mouth, lame and stiff limbs and fever. 

DAFM have warned that if weather conditions supportive of midge migration occur across the Irish sea, there is a possibility of infective midges being blown across again from England and Wales as it happened last Autumn.

If you are concerned about Bluetongue, or want to discuss vaccinating your herd/flock, don’t hesitate to call us for advice. Any animals suspected of Bluetongue Virus should be reported to the Regional Veterinary Office.

Valley veterinary, like all vet practices advise that any farmers who have not yet vaccinated their stock should consider vaccination as it can reduce viraemia and the risk of further spread. 

It takes approximately six weeks for cattle and three weeks for sheep to develop full immunity.

Bluetongue does not impact human health or food safety

Vaccination is a protective tool against the clinical disease losses associated with Bluetongue