Bluetongue: how to prevent it and stop it spreading
Biosecurity and hygiene standards to keep animals safe from bluetongue virus.
How bluetongue is spread
Bluetongue virus can be spread by:
- certain species of biting midges (Culicoides species) – this is the most common source of infection
- movement of infected animals and animal products, such as blood and germinal products (semen, eggs, ova and embryos) – this movement could be within Great Britain or from outside, through imports
- infected pregnant animals transmitting the virus to their young
How biting midges spread bluetongue
Biting midges that can spread bluetongue are found throughout Great Britain. They can also be blown long distances on the wind and bring the virus over from mainland Europe.
The following factors affect how quickly and how far the biting midges can spread bluetongue virus:
- time of year – biting midges are mainly active between April to November (‘high risk’ season)
- weather conditions (temperature, wind speed and direction, and rain)
- the distances between farms with susceptible animals and the density of animals in these farms
Biting midges can become infected with bluetongue virus when they bite an infected animal. The virus spreads when the infected biting midge then bites an uninfected susceptible animal.
Once a biting midge is infected with bluetongue virus, it can transmit the virus for the rest of its life. Adult biting midges typically live for up to a month, but can survive longer.
Preventing bluetongue
You can help to prevent bluetongue virus from spreading by:
- responsibly sourcing livestock
- remaining vigilant to signs of disease
- housing animals in buildings that keep out biting midges – this is especially important at dawn and dusk
- maintaining good hygiene and biosecurity on your premises
- not allowing farm dogs, cats or pets to eat, chew on or play with potentially infected materials (such as aborted material and afterbirth)
- vaccinating your animals with a suitable authorised vaccine
Vaccinating your animals
There is no vaccine available for bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3). This is the serotype that was confirmed in Great Britain in November 2023.
You can vaccinate animals against serotypes 1, 2, 4 and 8.
If you are considering vaccinating your animals, you:
- should discuss with your vet whether vaccination would benefit your business
- must check if you need to comply with the conditions of the general licence for vaccination against bluetongue
Make sure your animals can be traced
If you keep animals as livestock or pets, you must follow rules to make sure they can be traced. This includes registering your land and animals.
Read the rules for:
- keeping cattle, bison and buffalo in England and Wales
- keeping sheep and goats in England
- keeping deer in England
Contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) if you keep camelids (such as llamas or alpacas) or you’re unsure about the rules.
Check if you need to apply for a specific movement licence to move animals onto or off a bluetongue restricted premises.
Controlling outbreaks of bluetongue
Find out about how the government will control an outbreak in: