Dear stakeholder,

NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) and the CSIRO Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) have confirmed the presence of bluetongue virus (BTV) in samples from 11 sheep properties.

BTV is an insect-borne viral disease affecting ruminants. It is primarily a disease of sheep. It is not contagious and is transmitted by biting midges (Culicoides spp).

BTV cannot be spread from animals to humans. It does not affect people or food safety.

BTV outbreaks can result in animal movement and trade restrictions.

Tests confirmed the virus strain BTV-1 at the 11 properties, which are within the north-east NSW BTV transmission zone. This endemic strain is known to occur within the zone.

This detection does not change Australia’s status for BTV, as reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).

NSW DPI is working with the Australian Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) to keep trading partners informed of changes to our BTV status in the region. Clinical cases of BTV in sheep can result in animal movement and trade restrictions due to export country requirements.

Clinical signs of BTV can include fever, reddening of the oral and nasal mucosa, excessive salivation nasal discharge and swelling of the head with varying severity. It can mimic signs of internal parasite burden, pneumonia or photosensitisation.

Producers can confirm whether they are in BTV transmission zone or the BTV-free zone, online by viewing up-to-date BTV zone maps. Producers can register to be notified of BTV zone changes as they occur from the National Arbovirus Monitoring Program.

Producers should monitor their sheep for signs of bluetongue. Any suspected cases of BTV should be directed to their Local Land Services district veterinarian on 1300 795 299 or the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

NSW DPI Animal Biosecurity will host an evening online information session for sheep industry groups on Wednesday, April 10 at 7pm. You can RSVP here.  

Kind regards, 

Jo Coombe 
Chief Veterinary Officer, Director Animal Biosecurity 
Department of Primary Industries 
Department of Regional NSW