20/08/2026
Bluetongue - Just thought it worth taking a minute (or three!) to post our thoughts and plans regarding Bluetongue. Here is my understanding and I may be wrong in some parts so happy to be corrected if someone has the facts!! As many will know, and have seen on the news, this year Bluetongue has really taken off across the UK mostly in the South and South West but moving up and across the country. The numbers can be a bit misleading since they tend to show confirmed cases (one farm = one case regardless of the numbers on animals) - also there is a delay in reporting of maybe two or three weeks due to the constraints in testing etc. Whilst Camelids (Alpacas and Llamas) are affected by Bluetongue, there have been deaths on the continent in previous years and so far several in the UK this season, it is believed that camelids show fewer signs of illness and recover somewhat more readily than Sheep. It seems reasonable to assume that animals are at greater risk which are already in poorer health, compromised in some way and/or elderly and may succumb directly or as a result of issues arising from Bluetongue. Alpacas and Llamas do have quite good fleece cover but tend to get bitten around the eyes, ears, mouth/nose and the bare bits underneath (armpits etc.) - animals suffering from hair loss due to mites - a very common issue with camelids - may be even more susceptible. It seems likely to us that a number of camelids will have had, or are struggling with, Bluetongue (or may even have died from it) without owners being aware - of course there is no way of knowing for sure. Many of our little family - well 62 is maybe not so little! - are getting on a bit now so we've been looking at the situation closely. We have been very fortunate to secure some vaccine and will be vaccinating our girls and boys very shortly. The vaccine is certainly not cheap when doing so many but it gives us some peace of mind and it will most certainly be cheaper than having a few vet call outs should the worst occur. Whilst this would normally be considered rather late in the season - the last few years has certainly show that the seasons are not what they once were. We also do not wish to risk having our animals act as a 'reservoir' for the virus given where we live with many sheep farms around us (although the vaccine does not prevent infection it seems a socially responsible thing to do ) Obviously each farm needs to make their own choice and we certainly understand those who decide not to do this at this time. Fingers crossed the midges run out of energy and the supply of vaccines improves. The last few years have been challenging to all farmers in one way or another - hopefully next year will be rather kinder to all.
