A growing wave of concern is sweeping through the agricultural community as fears mount over unreported bluetongue infections and inadequate protective measures for livestock. Experts are sounding the alarm about the potential impact of this viral disease, especially amid alarmingly low vaccination rates.

One renowned clinician has openly expressed her fear of the dire consequences bluetongue could impose, stating, I’m quite scared given the current state of vaccinations. However, a veterinarian from East Anglia argues that robust vaccination efforts in her region have, so far, kept infection rates at bay this summer.

Since July, England has recorded 22 cases of BTV-3, with officials warning the transmission risk remains very high. Notably, bluetongue is classified as a notifiable disease, meaning that reporting suspected cases is mandatory. Yet, the potential for underreporting was a significant topic of discussion during an AHDB webinar on August 20.

Unmasking the Myths

In a striking presentation titled myth-busting, specialist sheep vet Fiona Lovatt mentioned that previous restrictions during infections had been perceived as burdensome. She emphasized that local restrictions would only be reinstated if another notifiable disease is confirmed.

Lovatt stated, We all need to know what the situation actually is. Please don’t think we’re out of the woods just because we haven’t yet had many cases reported. This sobering reminder underscores the ongoing vulnerability of the livestock population.

The Threat Level is Rising

Drawing on her expertise, Dr. Lovatt indicated that data from the BTV-8 outbreak in 2007-2008 is relevant today. Alarmingly, she noted that current vaccination rates are nowhere near the necessary 50% uptake outlined in that study. To suppress the disease, we need a substantial number of animals vaccinated. I’m still scared of bluetongue and what might unfold, she expressed.

Steve Jackson, the Welsh Government’s head of animal disease policy, echoed these fears, commenting that vaccination uptake seems fairly low, even though over 200,000 animals have reportedly been vaccinated based on veterinary records. A disconcerting discrepancy exists between the numbers reported by vets and those claimed by farmers, suggesting only about 127,000 animals have been vaccinated.

As movement restrictions are progressively eased, Jackson conceded that this could increase the risk of the virus crossing into Wales from England, even as the industry grapples with the economic impacts of such restrictions.

Amid these troubling statistics, Laura Stephen, a vet and director at the Isle Veterinary Group in East Anglia, remains optimistic. She highlighted that strong vaccine uptake in her region has significantly curbed the number of bluetongue cases recorded thus far this summer.