Knowledge hub
Bluetongue, Disease information
Bluetongue (BTV) is a viral disease transmitted by biting midges, which affects all ruminants (e.g. sheep, cattle, goats and deer) and camelids (e.g. llama and alpaca).
The latest strain, BTV-3 appear to mimic BTV-8 in its behaviour, however the existing BTV-8 serotype vaccine will not offer cross protection against this new strain.
Bluetongue
The livestock industry has come together to launch a nationwide survey to better understand the impact of bluetongue virus on UK farms.
Led by Fiona Lovatt of Flock Health Limited, and the Ruminant Health & Welfare bluetongue working group, the survey is being conducted in collaboration with AHDB and the University of Nottingham and has the backing of key industry organisations.
Update on the 3 BTV Vaccines
- Bultavo-3 – Boehringer Ingelheim
- BLUEVAC-3 – Ceva Animal Health
- Syvazul BTV – Virbac UK
Bluetongue, Disease information
Both Sheep Veterinary Society (SVS) and Sheep Antibiotic Guardian Group (SAGG) are disappointed by the lack of enzootic abortion (EAE) vaccine this tupping season and we are aware that this will have a significant impact on sheep farmers and their flocks that currently rely on effective vaccination to control disease.
Disease information
The new podcast series from the Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) offering yet another tool to the UK sheep industry on this essential topic.
Bluetongue, Webinars
Hear from a panel of experts for an update on bluetongue and the current strain (BTV-3) that has been confirmed in UK cases.
Disease information
There is evidence of another peak of Schmallenberg virus (SBV), infections with circulation during the Autumn and Winter of 2023. Active infection has been detected in England during the autumn with acute cases detected in cattle. The virus has also been confirmed in congenital deformed lambs, stillborn from December 23 onwards.
Disease information
Brand-new Annual Health and Welfare Review resources for vets are now live.
These were developed by AHDB in conjunction with the Pathway’s vet group, and can be found on AHDB’s website by following this link:
Bluetongue, Disease information
Update 2: Following active surveillance in the north-east Kent temporary control zone (TCZ), 2 further cases of bluetongue in cattle have been identified at 2 new locations in the existing TCZ, in the Sandwich area. Both locations are linked to holdings where cases have recently been found.
Disease information
From Wednesday 13th December 2023, a registered farm vet will be able to digitally record a Vet Attestation for sheep keepers on the Livestock Information Service.
We are pleased to inform you that you can now use the Livestock Information Service portal (England) to digitally record a vet attestation for a sheep keepers’ holding.
Disease information
Check out SCOPS new series of podcasts – perfect for vets, advisers and sheep farmers to access SCOPS advice whilst on the move.
The first series pf four episodes covering SCOPS principles, checking your wormer works, sheep scab and liver fluke.