Evidence of bluetongue virus (BTV) was recently identified during routine monitoring of cattle in sentinel herds as part of the National Arbovirus Monitoring Program (NAMP) . Testing was
conducted in the Central West and South Coast regions of NSW in late June and early July 2024.

This has resulted in an expansion of the BTV transmission zone in the Central West and South Coast regions of NSW, extending into the East Gippsland region of Victoria.

There has been no evidence of clinical disease associated with these infections. Although bluetongue viruses are present in northern and eastern Australia, clinical disease is an uncommon
occurrence in Australian sheep and has never been reported in Australian cattle or in any other susceptible animal species in Australia.

CVO Bulletin