CVO Bulletin Bluetongue virus
NSW Department of Primary Industries and the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) have confirmed the presence of bluetongue virus (BTV) in samples from four sheep properties. The detection of the virus was confirmed by qPCR at ACDP on 15 March 2024.
Tests confirmed the strain BTV-1 at the four properties, which are within the north-east NSW BTV transmission zone. BTV1 is known to occur within the zone.
BTV cannot be spread from animals to humans. BTV does not present a food safety risk and all Australian lamb and mutton remains safe to eat. The virus causes production losses and mortalities in sheep.
This detection does not change Australia's status for bluetongue virus, as reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).
Chief Veterinary Officer Bulletin