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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 8th January 2024
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First bluetongue cases of 2024 confirmed
The total number of cases in England since November stands at 44.
New cases found in Norfolk and Kent.

The first bluetongue cases of 2024 have been confirmed by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), following active surveillance within the existing Temporary Control Zones (TCZs) in Norfolk and Kent.

Five cases in cattle within the Norfolk TCZ have been discovered, including at two new premises.

There have also been four cases discovered in cattle in the Deal area within the north-east Kent TCZ.

The new cases bring the total number in England to 44 on 24 different premises. The first case was confirmed in Kent in November 2023. According to APHA, there is still no evidence that the virus is circulating in midges in Great Britain.

While movement of livestock within TCZs is restricted, Defra has made licenses available for moving livestock out of TCZs for welfare reasons.

Joseph Henry, chair of the Ruminant Health and Welfare bluetongue working group, said: “Applications for these licenses can only be made where animal welfare is likely to be compromised.”

“If you are a farmer in the current TCZ, we strongly recommend that you apply as soon as you are aware that the welfare of your animals may become compromised.

“Farmers may wish to ask their vets to assist in completing the application, ensuring you highlight the reasons why welfare is likely to be affected if you don’t move the animals.

“Each licence application is assessed individually, so it is important that all necessary information is given to allow appropriate risk assessments to be conducted.”

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. Suspected cases must be reported immediately on 03000 200 301 in England or 03003 038 268 in Wales. In Scotland, suspected cases should be reported to the local field services office.

Image © Shutterstock

 

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise £100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.