For this special joint podcast on bluetongue with Catherine Egan from the Beef Edge and Stuart Childs from the Dairy Edge, we’re joined by vet John Donlon to get an insight into bluetongue.

Primarily transmitted via biting midges, the cases on farms in Northern Ireland significantly reinforces the need for awareness on farms in the Republic of Ireland. 

Early action, identification and isolation will be key in reducing the potential for further virus spread.

Temperature is a major factor in the transmission of bluetongue. The typical transmission period usually runs from late spring to early autumn, especially during the summer months. During the winter, the risk of disease spread is much lower.

Bluetongue is associated with many symptoms. Typically, in affected cattle and sheep, the main symptoms may include: fever and loss of appetite; drop in milk yield (dairy cows); reddening of mucous membranes; sores on the nose, gums or dental pads; swelling of the face, lips or tongue (‘blue tongue’); breathing difficulties, drooling or nasal/eye discharge; lameness due to inflammation at the top of the hoof; abortion or foetal deformities; and, in severe cases, infection can result in death.

For further info: 

Teagasc urges vigilance on bluetongue - Teagasc | Agriculture and Food Development Authority

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease, meaning anyone who suspects an animal may have the disease is legally obliged to notify DAFM without delay.

To report a suspected case of Bluetongue virus to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), you should immediately contact your local Regional Veterinary Office (RVO) or the National Disease Emergency Hotline. 

Contact details:

·      During office hours (9 am - 5 pm): Contact your local Regional Veterinary Office (RVO)

·      Outside office hours (operational 365 days a year): Ring the National Disease Emergency Hotline at 01 492 8026

For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast