Insecticides will not reduce bluetongue risk, Scops warns

Pouring insecticide or repellent on livestock, for midge control, will not decrease the chance of bluetongue virus transmission, a leading animal health group has warned.

Farmers have been advised by Sustainable Control of Parasites (Scops) that there are no products licensed for culicoides control, the midge that transmits BTV.

The organisation said that only treating animals where there is a clear need to do so is an important part of the Scops principles, in a bid to slow resistance to products that control internal and external parasites.

See also: Analysis – what farmers need to know about bluetongue

Independent sheep consultant Lesley Stubbings, speaking on behalf of Scops, said: “Farmers want to feel they are doing something to protect their stock at this difficult time but, unfortunately, insecticides are not the solution.

“Insecticides used in this way will cost money and may have a detrimental effect on the environment.”

BTV-3 has been found on 69 UK premises since 26 August at the latest count. The relatively new strain was first reported on a Dutch farm in September 2023.

Defra has imposed two restricted areas. One covers Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Kent, East Sussex and part of Greater London. Another one covers the East Riding of Yorkshire and East Lincolnshire.

Other options

Defra approved three BTV-3 vaccines for use in high-risk areas to suppress the clinical signs of infection earlier this month. The cost of this is reported to be about £10 a dose.

Aside from vaccination, Scops has advised sheep breeders to use wind to their advantage wherever possible, in selecting grazing sites, as midges cannot fly in high winds.