Farmers urged to beware, take action and be vigilant for new strain of Bluetongue virus

Following reports of a new strain of bluetongue virus (BTV-3) emerging and spreading rapidly in the Netherlands, there is increasing concern about the situation and its proximity to the UK.

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"What we are advising is three-fold. Farmers and smallholders need to beware when buying animals in, especially from Europe, take action to report any signs of the disease, and at all times, remain vigilant," explains Dr Joseph Henry, president of the Sheep Veterinary Society and member of RH&W's steering group.

BTV-3 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).