Bluetongue
Bluetongue is an insect-borne virus that affects certain animals but not humans. It is in the news because it has only recently been observed in Europe. This section explains what an outbreak might mean for you.
- What is Bluetongue?
- What are the symptoms?
- How is it spread?
- What is being done to prepare for it?
- Do I need to protect myself?
- What might be the impact of an outbreak?
- Find out more
What is Bluetongue?
Bluetongue is a non-contagious virus affecting animals such as sheep, cattle, goats and deer – it does not affect humans.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms depend on the animal, but common characteristics of the disease are drooling, neck, head and mouth swelling, weeping eyes and tiredness.
How is it spread?
Bluetongue is spread by a certain type of biting midge – affected animals cannot infect other creatures.
What is being done to prepare for it?
Livestock farmers are being encouraged to vaccinate their animals. As Bluetongue is non-contagious, animals don’t need to be killed. However, other measures are put in place to contain the illness:
- 20km control zone set up around affected area.
- Animals not allowed out of control zone, expect for slaughter.
Do I need to protect myself?
Bluetongue has no public health implications and does not affect humans. Under current circumstances there are no implications for the food chain. Bluetongue does not affect dogs or horses. There are no restrictions on dog walking or horse riding, and no closure of footpaths, because of Bluetongue.
What might be the impact of an outbreak?
Countries that have had large outbreaks of Bluetongue witnessed increased mortality rates in animals and production losses, which caused severe economic hardship for the farming industry.
Find out more
You can get free advice and more information from the following organisations: