Bluetongue alert: farmers in Ceredigion urged to stay vigilant

As of Wednesday, 01 October 2025, instances have been confirmed in Powys and Monmouthshire. You can obtain updated e-mail and textual content alerts from the Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA) by signing as much as the next alert service: Animal and Plant Health Agency

With the danger of additional unfold, it’s important that everybody in our farming group stays vigilant and takes steps to guard their animals.

What it’s good to do:

• Check your animals often for indicators of bluetongue, together with fever, swelling of the top and neck, lameness, and mouth ulcers.
• Report any suspicious signs instantly to your vet or the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).
• Discuss vaccination choices together with your vet. Vaccination is one of the simplest ways to scale back the impression of bluetongue and shield your herd or flock.
• Follow motion restrictions and biosecurity recommendation issued by Welsh Government and APHA.
• Source animals responsibly and hold updated with the most recent steering on livestock actions.

Bluetongue is a notifiable illness brought on by an infection with bluetongue virus. Bluetongue virus is principally unfold by biting midges. The virus impacts sheep, cattle, different ruminants reminiscent of deer and goats, camelids reminiscent of llamas and alpacas. Rarely, bluetongue can have an effect on canines and different carnivores in the event that they eat contaminated materials (reminiscent of aborted materials and afterbirth).

It doesn’t have an effect on individuals or meals security, however outbreaks can lead to extended animal motion and commerce restrictions.

Councillor Matthew Vaux, Cabinet Member liable for Public Protection, added: “It’s important that anyone who keeps livestock is aware of the symptoms of bluetongue and know how to spot it. If you see signs of the virus, report it immediately to your vet or the APHA. Stay informed, stay prepared, and help protect Ceredigion’s livestock sector.”

You can discover additional info from these official assets: