What is the potentially deadly bluetongue virus?

Eleven cases of a deadly virus affecting livestock have been confirmed in the South West, amid dozens of new cases in the UK.

Bluetongue virus (BTV) - an insect-borne viral disease affecting sheep and cattle among other animals - has sparked concern among Exmoor farmers as they deal with difficult weather conditions and mounting economic pressures.

Oliver Edwards, who farms near Minehead, said that this had been his "most challenging time" in 45 years of farming.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) said farmers should remain vigilant and report any suspicions of disease.

While potentially fatal for livestock, the virus does not affect humans.

Clinical signs among affected animals include fever, lameness, facial swelling, nasal discharge and mouth ulcers, with three deaths of animals reported in the region in July so far.

It also does not affect food safety. Meat and milk from infected animals are safe to eat and drink.

This particular strain of BTV was first detected in England in November 2023.

Hot weather has created favourable conditions for the virus to spread as high temperatures allow it to develop more quickly in midges.

BTV affects cattle, goats, sheep, deer and camelids and can cause ulcers or sores around an animal's mouth and face, difficulties swallowing and breathing, fever and lameness, foetal deformities and stillbirths.

"We noticed some of the cattle were feeling a bit lame and we put it down to the weather," said Edwards.

"[But] talking to the vets, we thought it was bluetongue."

According to Defra, there have been 72 cases in of BTV in the UK since 1 July.

These include cases impacting sheep and cattle in Wiltshire and Somerset.

Vet Chris Clements, based in Minehead, explained that BTV spreads through midges biting livestock and other animals such as deer.

"It doesn't affect humans other than obviously this economic impact and effect on farmers," Clements said.

"We're sadly seeing deaths in affected animals, specifically sheep," he said.

If BTV is caught by a pregnant animal it can result in abortion, foetal deformities or weaker offspring.

Clements explained that animals can be treated and they do not necessarily have to be culled if they catch the virus.

Instead, disease control from authorities such as Defra relies on movement restrictions and optional or targeted vaccinations.

Rachel Gilmour, MP for Tiverton and Minehead, has raised farmers' concerns in a letter to Defra.

She warned of a growing sense among her constituents that there were no effective solutions or practical measures being put forward to address the problem.

She has asked Baroness Hayman of Ullock, minister for biosecurity, borders and animals, to set out what the department was doing to improve reporting, support affected farmers and limit the spread of the disease.

"The spread of bluetongue disease is undoubtedly a concern for many across my constituency, which is why I am calling on the minister to act," Gilmour said.

"Supporting our farmers and farms is more important than eve and if this government is serious about providing that support, actioning urgent assistance for this outbreak is where it must start."

Previously, Defra has said BTV posed no threat to the public or food safety.

A spokesperson from the Animal and Plant Health Agency said: "Bluetongue virus is circulating in England, particularly South West England and parts of Wales.

"The recent period of hot and humid weather has been favourable for midge populations which has likely contributed to increased numbers of cases in cattle and particularly sheep.

"Livestock keepers should remain vigilant and report any suspicions of disease to APHA.

"We encourage all farmers and keepers to discuss vaccination with their vet as this is the most effective way of protecting their animals."

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