Defra and its arms-length agencies are urging farmers to remain vigilant to the risk of blue tongue in the country, and asking that farmers report any clinical signs of the disease immediately to vets and the Animal and Plant Health agency (APHA).

The  advice comes after the government’s APHA published its latest risk assessment, which reveals the UK is at risk of an outbreak during the spring or summer months, with an outbreak in late summer rated the most likely. This would be the result of infected midges being blown across from France to the South East of England.

Bluetongue can cause illnesses in sheep, cattle, goats, deer, llamas and alpacas. The risk to the UK depends on the level of disease on the continent, weather conditions at critical periods, and on whether there are outbreaks close enough to the UK for midges that carry the disease to be blown over the Channel.

On Friday, Defra said it is working with the livestock industry and devolved governments on surveillance efforts. Department spokespeople have also been keen to stress that the disease does not affect people, meat or any other animal products including milk. Even so, officials have asked farmers to consider whether vaccination would be a worthwhile precaution.

British Veterinary Association Senior Vice President Professor John Blackwell commented, “We strongly encourage all farmers to closely monitor their stock for bluetongue symptoms - particularly sheep that are most susceptible to the disease - including eye and nasal discharge, drooling, swelling around the head or mouth, lethargy and lameness.

“Vets are there to support farmers in protecting the health and welfare of their livestock. We’d recommend farmers speak to their local vet about the benefits of vaccination, given their locality and individual circumstances, and especially if farmers have any concerns about their livestock.”