Bluetongue

Bluetongue (BTV) is an insect borne viral disease of ruminants. BTV is a notifiable disease because of the considerable economic losses it causes.

Recent BTV outbreaks in Europe

The spread of BTV has extended northwards. Serotype BTV-8 has been diagnosed in cattle and sheep in many Northern European countries including the UK.

Recent outbreaks in Northern Europe have been attributed to climate change creating favourable conditions for the BTV virus vector, Culicoides midges. The range of the midges has extended northwards and environmental conditions allow for extended breeding seasons.

Culicoides midge, the only identified vector of BTV.