Keeping other animals and animal disease

Bluetongue disease

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease spread by biting midges affecting:

  • sheep
  • cattle
  • other ruminants such as deer and goats
  • camelids such as llamas and alpacas

It does not affect people or food safety, but outbreaks can result in prolonged animal movement and trade restrictions. It doesn't affect horses or pigs.

Symptoms

Symptoms vary across species but include fever, lesions, redness include fever, lesions, redness of the mouth, eyes, nose, reddening of the skin above the hoof, excessive salivation and nasal discharge. Some animals may show few or no clinical signs.

Restrictions

The bluetongue restriction zone now includes North Northamptonshire.

Farmers in the area must follow restrictions on moving animals. 

Anyone can check if they are in the restricted zone.

Report

If farmers suspect a case, they must report it to the Animal and Plant Health Agency immediately on 03000 200 301.

Last updated 07 October 2024