Of Deer and Dog’s Mercury
BASC deer officer Audrey Watson discusses how identifying woodland plant species and assessing damage can help you to carry out successful deer impact assessments.
- - Features
- - Features
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 13 September 2024
Bluetongue virus has been confirmed in Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, East Riding of Yorkshire, North Lincolnshire and Kent.Â
The whole counties of Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex are all now restricted zones. There are 20km Temporary Control Zones around the affected premises in Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and Kent.Â
Visit Gov.uk for the for the most up to date information on confirmed cases.
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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BASC Media team
Important information for deer managers in Scotland
The first of three legislative changes for Scottish deer managers came into force on 21 October 2023, following a Scottish government consultation earlier this year.
Important information for deer managers in Scotland
Three key changes will come into force later this year for deer managers in Scotland.
