Bluetongue Disease

Bluetongue Update 24 January 2024

Imports of Cattle, Sheep and Goats in to the Isle of Man are currently suspended whilst the evolving situation in the UK is assessed.

DEFA are unable, at this stage, to determine when the ban will be lifted, however we are monitoring the UK situation closely for any escalation in the number of positive cases.

If you are planning to import germinal products (e.g. semen, embryos) from susceptible animals, please be aware that the consignment would need to be certified with regard to Bluetongue, and this may be affected by the current situation in the UK.

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease and if you suspect it you must tell DEFA immediately.

UK situation

Following routine bluetongue surveillance, a cow tested positive for bluetongue serotype 3 on a premises near Canterbury, Kent on 11 November 2023 and a temporary control zone was put in place. Since November there has been a gradual increase in the reported number of cases identified in UK by the Animal and Plant Health Agency.

The total number of positive results, as of 23 January 2024, stands at 56 in cattle in both Canterbury area of Kent and Norfolk. The Animal and Plant health agency states that there is currently still no evidence that bluetongue virus is currently circulating in midges in Great Britain and that Surveillance is ongoing. They are however, taking a precautionary approach and have introduced Temporary Restriction Zones in the affected areas.

For the latest information please see Bluetongue: how to spot and report the disease.

About Bluetongue

Blue Tongue Virus (BTV) affects sheep, other ruminants such as cattle and goats, and camelids such as llamas. Midges carry the bluetongue virus, and the disease spreads when infected midges bite an animal affected by the disease. The midge season is normally March to September.

There has never been a case of Bluetongue on the Isle of Man, however, cases are frequently reported in continental Europe. There is always a risk of the virus spreading into the UK if infected midges are carried by the wind from France to the south-east of England.

Humans are not affected nor are animal products or meat. 

Common clinical signs of Bluetongue in both sheep and cattle:

  • Eye and nasal discharges
  • Drooling as a result of ulcerations in the mouth
  • High body temperature
  • Swelling of the mouth, head and neck

Cattle are the main carriers of bluetongue and infected cattle often do not show any signs of the disease. Sheep are more severely affected and those surviving can show:

  • Lameness
  • Bleeding into or under the skin
  • Inflammation and soreness at the junction of the skin and the horn of the foot
  • Respiratory problems - difficulty with breathing and nasal discharge

A 'blue' tongue is rarely a sign of infection!

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease and if you suspect if you must tell DEFA immediately.

For the latest DEFRA news releases please see the DEFRA Bluetongue website pages.

For further information please contact:

Animal Health Team – Regulation Directorate

Telephone:+44 1624 685844

Email:Send Email

Updated 17 November 2023

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