The emergence of bluetongue virus (BTV) is raising significant concerns for livestock farmers across Ireland and the United Kingdom, with experts warning that it’s merely the first in a series of vector-borne animal diseases poised to impact the region. The situation is compounded by uncertainty surrounding trade implications and a perceived lack of timely information from governing bodies.
Bluetongue: A Growing Threat
As of , 290 cases of bluetongue have been confirmed in Great Britain since . The majority of these cases – 269 – are in England, with a breakdown of 261 cases of BTV-3, one of BTV-8 and seven cases involving both serotypes. Wales has reported 21 cases of BTV-3, while Scotland remains unaffected. Five confirmed cases of BTV-3 have also been identified in Northern Ireland.
Recent confirmations in England, as of , include a case involving an aborted bovine foetus with brain malformation in Cumbria, and two cows in Kent exhibiting neurological issues in their calves. Further cases were confirmed on , and , involving cows in Staffordshire experiencing a series of abortions. These recent findings highlight the evolving nature of the outbreak and the potential for severe consequences.
The virus, spread by midges, poses no direct threat to public health or food safety, but can cause significant harm to cloven-hoofed animals like sheep and cattle. Veterinary toxicologist Alan Murphy, working with the UK’s Animal Plant and Health Agency (APHA), believes the impact on the Irish cattle sector will be substantial in the coming years. He notes that the arrival of bluetongue in the UK in 2023 is now manifesting as calves being born with “terminal neurological disorders.”
In Northern Ireland, a Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) was established on , following the detection of the virus in two cows near Bangor, County Down. Movement of susceptible species within the TCZ is restricted, with exceptions made only for animals going directly to slaughter. A fifth confirmed case of BTV-3 was identified near Portavogie, County Down, as of .
Beyond Bluetongue: A Looming “Triple Threat”
Bluetongue is not an isolated incident. Murphy emphasizes that it represents “the tip of the iceberg” in terms of vector-borne diseases heading towards Ireland. He identifies lumpy skin disease and epizootic haemorrhagic disease (EHD) as additional threats. While EHD primarily affects deer, it has the potential to spread to cattle.
A key factor driving the increased risk is climate change, which is facilitating the movement of midges – the vectors for these diseases – between countries. Murphy states, “Climate change is facilitating the movement of midges from country to country.” He believes that preventing the spread of these diseases from Europe into the UK and Ireland is now impossible.
Frustration and Uncertainty Among Farmers
The unfolding situation is causing considerable anxiety among livestock farmers. The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) has expressed concern over a lack of clear communication from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland. Glenn Cuddy, UFU deputy president, stated that farmers are “increasingly frustrated by the lack of clear, timely information.”
Specifically, farmers are seeking clarity on the trade implications of the outbreak, both within the Republic of Ireland and between Northern Ireland and mainland Great Britain. Cuddy highlighted the prolonged period of “radio silence” from DAERA, stating that “farmers are in the dark” and that the lack of communication is “simply isn’t acceptable in a situation of this seriousness.”
DAERA has announced financial support for pre-movement testing within the Bluetongue TCZ, with private veterinary practitioners (PVPs) now able to administer the tests at the department’s expense for a limited time. Guidance for farmers regarding animal movements within and out of the TCZ is also available.
Alan Murphy will be discussing these issues further in a webinar hosted by EasyCare Sheep Ireland on . His expertise stems from a background in veterinary toxicology and chemical feed and food safety with APHA, as well as a long-standing relationship with the Moredun Research Institute, which focuses on diseases affecting farm livestock.