Choice of fly treatment could prevent bluetonge spread

According to Intervet’s large animal veterinary manager, Alasdair King, the company’s deltamethrin-based pour-on (Butox® SWISH) which has been widely used as a routine treatment for biting and nuisance flies is also licensed to control all species of midge responsible for the spread and transmission of bluetongue in cattle populations.

Without any specific vaccines in Europe, the only option for controlling bluetongue is by managing the risk, and reducing the number of midges feeding on groups of cattle or sheep will help to do this. 

“For example, if an infected midge bites a cow already treated with Butox SWISH it will die,” explains Mr King.  “While this midge may already have transmitted the disease to the animal it has just bitten, fortunately it will not be able to pass the disease on to any more cattle in the herd.  Any further midges landing on the cow will also die before they can spread disease to other cattle.

“Conversely, if an infected midge bites a cow that has no fly protection, it will still be able to move to other animals and infect them,” Mr King continues.  “New midges landing on this cow will also become infected and spread the disease further.”

“Farmers need not necessarily take any special precautions immediately, since the UK is still free from the disease,” explains Mr King. “Those that have already treated their cattle with Butox SWISH should apply a second dose to all cattle on the farm 8-10 weeks after the initial treatment to ensure continued cover.  Farmers who have either not treated their cattle yet, or who have used a different product, should make their next application with a long-lasting product licensed to control midges.”

While it is not certain that bluetongue will reach the UK this summer, putting in place simple measures, such as choosing a fly control product which also kills midges, will reduce the number that could be carrying the bluetongue virus.