Louping

Louping is a neurological disease primarily affecting sheep and cattle, though it can also impact other mammals including grouse and humans. It is caused by the louping ill virus (LIV), which is transmitted by the sheep tick Ixodes ricinus. The virus is endemic in certain parts of the United Kingdom, particularly in upland and moorland areas where ticks are prevalent.

The disease presents with varying severity. Mild cases may show nonspecific signs such as lethargy and loss of appetite. More severe forms involve neurological symptoms, including incoordination, tremors, lameness, and paralysis. In humans, louping ill can cause fever, headache, and neurological complications, though it is rare. Infected ticks can transmit the virus to their hosts when they feed. Sheep and cattle can also spread the virus to ticks, contributing to the enzootic cycle.

Diagnosis is typically made based on clinical signs, epidemiological history, and laboratory tests, such as serology to detect antibodies against the virus or PCR to detect viral RNA. There is no specific treatment for louping ill; supportive care is provided. Prevention is primarily achieved through vaccination of sheep, particularly in at-risk areas. Tick control measures are also important to reduce the transmission of the virus. The disease can lead to significant economic losses in affected livestock populations due to mortality, reduced productivity, and the cost of control measures.