Bluetongue is an insect-borne viral disease that affects ruminants. However, clinical signs of the disease are usually restricted to only sheep and other animals such as goats and cattle rarely show any serious symptoms. As a result, bluetongue can spread into new areas without necessarily being noticed straight away. Nevertheless, a relatively high number of cattle have been affected by the ‘BTV8 strain’ that has recently affected Northern Europe.

6 May 2008 - Joint Action against Bluetongue (JAB) video makes the case for bluetongue vaccine

A new video commissioned by NFU South East and East Anglia explains the need for a comprehensive vaccination plan.

The video also shows farmers the best method of administering the vaccine to cattle and sheep.

Click here to watch the video.

7 April 2008 – New briefing paper launched for organic livestock producers

The Soil Association has produced a new bluetongue briefing paper for its producer members.

Read the Soil Association's latest briefing paper on bluetongue, which provides:

· Latest updates and recommendations for organic livestock producers
· Clinical signs of this notifiable disease
· Soil Association recommendations to government.

» download the bluetongue briefing paper [PDF, 1.3MB]

Full details of the bluetongue control and protection zones and details of livestock movement licences are on the Defra website, here:
» bluetongue control and protection zones and details of livestock movements

Producer members needing technical advice can contact the Soil Association on 0117 914 2400

For Defra's latest information on bluetongue click on the link below
» latest information from Defra