We held a very well attended Bluetongue webinar on Monday evening. For those clients who were unable to attend, or would like a recap, please follow the link to a recording of the session.
In summary five key points from our speakers were:
- Vaccination has a really important role to play- even if BTV is already in your area or indeed on your farm. The midge season is likely to extend into the autumn, and whilst those animals recovering from BTV have good immunity, there will be many other animals still vulnerable in your flock or herd who did not get infected iniitally. Good needle hygiene is imperative when vaccinating to avoid inadvertent transfer of virus between animals as the vaccine is given. Speak to your routine veterinary surgeon to make a plan.
- BTV is a notifiable disease and all suspected cases should be reported. Contact the practice or notify APHA directly on 03000 200 301. Flocks or herds will not be put under movement restriction, unless a novel type of BTV is identified.
- The signs in cattle in the short term are often less pronounced that in sheep, but there can be significant longer term consequences for milk production, fertility and calf health. Speak to your vet to discuss the role of vaccination. Consider early PDs for Spring calving herds to get an early feel for fertility before the bulls are taken out.
- Nursing is an important part of care of sheep with BTV and key components include providing fluids, providing easy to eat foods, providing shade as well as symptom relief via medicines such as anti inflammatory painkillers and antibiotics. All of this should be in discussion with your vet. Animal welfare can become rapidly compromised in severe cases and euthanasia may be required.
- We were reminded of the experiences in the Netherlands in year 1 of their BTV3 outbreak. This was very sobering but highlighted how important vaccination was in both cattle and sheep for getting the virus under control. There were huge reductions in clinical disease by season 2 and no clinical disease in season 3.
Finally from the whole team at Synergy Farm Health, we are here to support you, and ongoing communication is key – this will be a team effort.
Other sources of confidential support are available including
RABI Helpline: 0800 188 4444 (24 HOUR).
FCN Helpline: 03000 111 999 (24 HOUR)
