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Bluetongue: what you need to know
Bluetongue is a virus that affects ruminant animals. That means cows, sheep, camelids (llamas, alpacas, etc) and deer are all susceptible to becoming infected. The virus is spread by midges.
Bluetongue virus has been confirmed in several areas of Eastern England, after midges from Europe were blown over.
Those areas with active cases of the virus are subject to restrictions around the movement of live animals. The most up to date details of these zones and restrictions are available here.
Current situation
Updated 04 November 2024
Following the identification of further bluetongue cases through surveillance along the border of the Restricted Zone (RZ), the RZ has been extended to include Nottinghamshire, part of Leicestershire and part of Northamptonshire.
The RZ now covers:
- Bedfordshire
- Part of Berkshire
- Buckinghamshire
- Cambridgeshire
- City of Kingston upon Hull
- East Riding of Yorkshire
- East Sussex
- Essex
- Greater London
- Part of Hampshire
- Hertfordshire
- Kent
- Part of Leicestershire
- Lincolnshire
- Norfolk
- Part of Northamptonshire
- Nottinghamshire
- Suffolk
- Surrey
- Part of Warwickshire
- West Sussex
What does this mean for deer stalking?
As deer are capable of being infected with the virus, BASC sought immediate clarification from the Animal and Plant Health Agency as to how deer stalking, and other forms of shooting may be affected.
Read our commonly-asked questions and further advice below.
FAQs
Why are we worried about bluetongue?
Bluetongue does not affect humans but has the potential to be devastating to livestock farmers due to movement and trade restrictions and potential mortality. As deer are capable of carrying the virus, it is possible for midges to spread it from them to other ruminant livestock, so vigilance when inspecting deer is vital.
Can I still shoot deer within the control zones?
Yes, there are no restrictions that would affect the culling of deer.
Can I bring the carcasses of the deer I shoot out of or into a control zone?
There are no restrictions on the movement of carcasses or other products from the deer being shot.
Are there any biosecurity measures that need to be taken when entering or leaving premises in a control zone?
No, the only restrictions are based on the movement of live animals. As the disease is spread by midges, there are no biosecurity measures to observe in the restricted zones.
What signs and symptoms do I need to look out for when inspecting deer carcasses?
There is very little information about the specific effects of bluetongue in wild animals. However, the key things to look out for include sores or ulcers in the mouth and gums, discharge from the eyes, nose and mouth and swelling of the lips, tongue head and neck. Any suspicion of bluetongue in deer must, by law, be reported to APHA (in England via the DEFRA rural helpline on 03000 200 301).
More information on the virus and its symptoms are available here.
Are other forms of shooting likely to be affected?
No, bluetongue can only affect ruminant animals, so birds and small game cannot carry the virus.Â
Entry to premises is still permitted, as the virus is only spread by biting midges, so there are no restrictions currently that would impact on other forms of shooting.
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