13/08/2026
Blue Tongue Virus.
What a start to August for British Agriculture.
From last July stockmen and women in Devon and Cornwall have had their worlds turned upside down with the Blue Tongue Virus. It's come on hard and fast and during a time when the rest of the industry has had their minds on the drought that has been gripping the nation and/or watching as our governing bodies campaign for better grants and rural payments.
Consequently, many of us weren't, and aren't prepared for what lies ahead in terms of this disease.
I'd booked a couple of bottles, agreed to share some more and as such some of our 500 head of stock have been vaccinated (along with myself, 🙄). But we have a larger proportion unprotected, including the Dorset flock who are mid way thru their pregnancy and due to lamb in a couple of months time. It's a worry.
So, obviously I'm reading and rereading advice, much of which is changing daily and we're on the lists at our vet practices for more vaccine as and when it arrives.
Meanwhile, I know it's in our county and people are losing sheep to it.
So, I thought I'd share my findings and helpful tips to hopefully keep it from the door.
* Immune compromised stock is already on the back foot.
To counteract this, ensure your worming is up to date - FEC test and treat ASAP.
Barbers Pole is now a buzz word, earlier on it was Tape Worm - a worm that never usually causes issues in sheep has caused many issues in this dry year. But Barbers Pole is way more nasty, it kills quick, sheep just don't look "well" . Symptoms range from lameness, to bottle jaw, to a dull coat. And sheep have very pale eye membranes. It's easily dealt with a drench that kills it - there are many on the market, speak to your SQP.
*Try and ensure your vaccinations are up to date while you wait for the BTV vaccine to become availbale. Any lambs that haven't been Hep P'd, consider doing them. Pneumonia is being seen alongside the Blue Tongue Virus. So getting stock up to date will be one less worry.
*Treat any lame sheep quickly - we've seen good results with a "Green Spray" for hooves and skin, not an antibiotic, it's treated some nasty issues in our commercial flock. I'm also a fan of CZF Plus footbath solution and powdered lime around gateways.
Asssess why you have lameness. If it's because the hoof wall is seperating and allowing dirt to get trapped, which then provides the ideal breeding ground for those aneraerobic bugs, look at using a zinc drench - have a read up of Shelly Hoof.
*If you have thinner animals consider feeding them, sugerbeet is a really good all round feed that shouldn't break the bank. If you're feeling flush add some rolled barley to it for the starch - protein grows sheep, starch fattens them.
Ensure they don't get dehydrated, keep your waters full.
Also, consider your culls.
After Blue Tongue passes we'll be heading to winter, this winter is going to be tough. Hay and cereal yields are low, which will push animal feed prices up.
I am a "worse case scenario" person and I then work backwards. And the thought of some of my old girls suffering thru Blue Tongue may well govern my decisions in coming weeks. So Consider trimming down your stock now, it's not a nice thought to contemplate, I know this.
Familiarise yourself with the symptoms. The lethargy and drool seem to be a good indicator, also snotty nose, and reluctance to eat. A raised temperature is the best indicator. Get a thermometer and some l**e, practise inserting into the a**s.
Remember it is VERY hot in Wales at the moment. Sheep are reluctant to come out of the shade and heat stroke is a worry, as is dehydration. Offer any ill sheep water before panicking.
Blue Tongue is a notifieable disease, meaning you must report it to DEFRA when you think you have it.
Another indicator is ill animals don't seem to be willing to eat.
Drugs that are being recommended are Trymox (white antibiotic) and Metacam as an anti inflammatory. If you are remote and can stock up on these, do so. The quicker sheep can be medicated the higher the survival rate.
As it progresses, animals need to be kept comfortable and nursed with TLC,
Most are bringing animals into barns or smaller enclosures so they can monitor and the animals can reach food and water easily.
Soaked sugarbeet served wet and sloppy seems to be a good option. Give water from low containers that can be accessed from the lying down position.
I've shared all this in the hope it may help, there's nothing worse than the wait for these things. So I hope in sharing it may give others a chance to get organised.
My recommendation at the moment is if you can get vaccinated, do so. Dyfed Farm Vets are arranging another Broach Day, if you have under 50 animals, that could be worth considering. Equally, if you're happy to vaccinate yourself then sharing a bottle with someone may be a cheaper option.
I'm sure everyone has a plan, but if not, use the comments here to discuss.
And on that note, please be kind, everyone is suffering at the moment, an unkind word, a snippy turn of phrase, an unkind FB post, or a virtue signalling comment, all can have unseen repercussions that while I'm sure won't be the initial intention cause hurt regardless.
Don't be the reason someone doesn't want to see tomorrow. and
If anyone wants to talk, my inbox is open - probably quicker going thru the Michelle Thomas account.
If you live close to me and you need to talk, would like a face to face, a cuppa or a chat, reach out, I'll still endeavour to help -
Please don't worry alone - a problem shared is a problem halved, and believe me when I say I'll have already been down the road of your worries, mapped it 4 times and have considered the worst and the best route thru them ❤️
