Bluetongue virus: advice for deer managers

Updated 2 September 2024

Following on from the news last week that a single case of the Bluetongue virus has been confirmed in South Norfolk, the control zone has now been extended to cover the entirety of Norfolk and Suffolk after more cases emerged over the weekend. 

Essex, Kent and East Sussex are classified as High Risk Areas, but not part of the control zones. 

Defra has announced that the total number of infected animals as of today, 2 September, stands at 27 across 10 different premises. 

The virus can affect all ruminant animals, including wild deer, and BASC is advising any deer managers in or around this area to be extremely vigilant when inspecting carcasses and immediately report any suspected findings to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.

Details of the virus, the control zones and the signs and symptoms of Bluetongue can all be found on the Defra website.

BASC has contacted Defra to seek specific guidance for deer managers which we will publish in due course.