The UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer has urged farmers to remain vigilant for bluetongue virus (BTV) after the disease was found in a single cow in Kent.
The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and the Pirbright Institute identified the disease in the cow through Great Britain’s annual bluetongue surveillance programme.
Bluetongue does not affect people or food safety. The virus is transmitted by midge bites and affects cows, goats, sheep and other camelids such as llamas. The midges are most active between April and November and not all susceptible animals show immediate, or any, signs of contracting the virus. The impacts on susceptible animals can vary greatly – some show no symptoms or effects at all while for others it can cause productivity issues such as reduced milk yield, while in the most severe cases can be fatal for infected animals.
Defra said action is being taken to ensure the risk of spread of the disease is reduced, with movement restrictions at the affected premises. The cow was culled to reduce the risk of onward disease transmission.
A 10km temporary control zone around the affected farm has been put in place, which will restrict movements of susceptible animals except under licence, and additional surveillance will be undertaken .
Strict rules on the movement of livestock from regions affected by bluetongue are already in place and farmers are reminded that animals imported from these regions must be accompanied by the relevant paperwork to clearly show they meet certain conditions designed to reduce disease risk, such as correct vaccination.
Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said: “Bluetongue does not pose a threat to human health or food safety, but the disease can impact livestock farms, and cause productivity issues.
“This detection is an example of our robust disease surveillance procedures in action and it is also a clear reminder for farmers that the disease remains a threat, despite coming towards the end of the midge activity season.
“Farmers must remain vigilant and report any suspicions to APHA.”
BTV is a notifiable disease. Suspicion of BTV in animals in England must be reported to the Animal and Plant Health Agency on 03000 200 301
More information about bluetongue is available at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/bluetongue.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here