Bluetongue Virus Spreads in the UK; Farmers Calling for a Vaccine Against the Strain

A new strain of bluetongue virus has already killed some livestock in the United Kingdom. Officials have warned that the disease might spread across the country.

Bluetongue Virus in the UK

According to the authorities, there is a "very high probability" that infected midges carried across from northern Europe would transmit the bluetongue virus more extensively. Ruminants, including sheep, cattle, goats, deer, and camelids like llamas and alpacas, are susceptible to bluetongue.

Following the discovery of the first case of the novel strain in November, Kent, Norfolk, and Suffolk have seen 119 cases in cattle and seven instances in sheep. On March 8, the most recent case was reported. In England, there have been 126 occurrences on sheep and cattle ranches. The virus impacts neither food safety nor individuals.

The virus can cause a herd of sheep to lose about 30% of its members, and the mortality rate in cattle is lower. This disease affects animal welfare and lowers milk yields by causing tongue and mucous membrane sores, swallowing difficulties, lameness, and stiffness.

Despite having a control zone with movement restrictions, bluetongue broke out just before Christmas for Kent farmer Roger Dunn, who raises 1,200 sheep and 400 cattle. He was paid to slaughter six cattle to stop the virus from spreading throughout the farm, preventing it from infecting the sheep. But Mr. Dunn is aware that the outcome could have been much worse.

"When you could be losing 30 to 40% of your business, it is a big worry," he said.

Farmers are urging the expeditious development of a vaccine to combat this strain. The National Farmers Union's (NFU) livestock board head, cattle farmer David Barton, stated that although farmers were "anxious to protect their livestock," there were still uncertainties over the vaccination approved in the Netherlands.

There have been over 6,000 instances of the new strain, BTV-3, in the Netherlands, so one vaccine was granted emergency approval last week. However, according to Barton, since this is a relatively new vaccination, there are still many unanswered questions. The concerns include the vaccine's price, how it will be distributed, and the assistance that the government may provide to ensure its prompt and effective implementation.

What Is Bluetongue Virus?

Bluetongue is a virus that is not contagious and is transmitted by biting insects. It impacts ruminant species, especially sheep. Animals afflicted with bluetongue may experience various symptoms, such as ulcers, sores, painful hooves, lameness, and reproductive issues. The tongue (sometimes known as the "blue tongue") may enlarge in affected animals, making breathing difficult. The illness affects people everywhere. The disease is seen throughout the western and southern states of the United States.

Many ruminants, both domestic and wild, are afflicted by the virus. Sheep are most commonly affected, followed by goats and cattle sometimes. In addition, wild ruminants, including pronghorn, desert bighorn sheep, and white-tailed deer, are susceptible to severe illness.

Many animals with the bluetongue virus do not exhibit any symptoms of illness. Sheep, in particular, are susceptible to major illnesses and even death.

Bluetongue symptoms include fever, increased salivation, depression, and breathing difficulties. Animals may also exhibit reddish and ulcerated lips, ears, and nose discharge.

The lips and tongue may be extremely swollen, causing the tongue to stick out from the mouth. In most cases, the tongue is bluish. Hence, the name bluetongue virus.

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