SenseHub Behaviour Monitoring detects subclinical changes in dairy cows associated with bluetongue virus

New research from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Utrecht University has revealed that SenseHub® Behaviour Monitoring Technology can detect subclinical changes due to bluetongue virus (BTV-3) infection in dairy cows up to nine days before the first clinical signs appear.

Bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) has been present on Dutch dairy farms since September 2023, affecting both cattle and sheep. The clinical signs of bluetongue can be severe—ranging from fever and inflammation to reduced milk production—and by the time visible signs appear, the infection has often already spread within the herd. Early detection is therefore key to protecting animal welfare and minimising economic impact.

The Utrecht University study, conducted at the faculty’s research farm De Tolakker, closely monitored 47 sheep and 51 dairy cows during a naturally occurring bluetongue outbreak. Animals were observed through bimonthly PCR testing and daily clinical examinations, while the cows were simultaneously monitored with SenseHub® Dairy from MSD Animal Health.

Results from the study found that while 45% of cows had already tested PCR positive for bluetongue, none of them initially displayed clinical signs. However, SenseHub Dairy had notified abnormalities in their rumination behaviour an average of nine days earlier. Ten out of the 51 cows went on to show visible signs of infection, confirming that behavioural monitoring can indicate the presence of disease before it is clinically apparent.

These findings highlight the critical role of behavioural monitoring in herd health management. Detecting bluetongue at an early stage gives farmers the opportunity to take preventive action more quickly, working with their veterinarians to implement biosecurity measures and slow virus spread within the herd. Early intervention ultimately helps protect animal health and farm productivity.

“By identifying changes in cow behaviour before clinical signs appear, SenseHub Dairy gives farmers time to respond earlier and act with confidence,” said a spokesperson for MSD Animal Health. “This research from Utrecht University shows how smart monitoring supports healthier, more resilient herds — and gives farmers greater freedom in managing disease risks.”

For more information about the research and how SenseHub Dairy Behaviour Monitoring supports early disease detection, visit https://bvajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/vrc2.70068 or contact your local MSD Animal Health representative.