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Vets urged to be vigilant for lumpy skin disease
cows
LSD was detected in the European Union for the first time last August, when Greece reported two outbreaks.
Early recognition is 'imperative'
 
Vets are being urged to look out for skin wheals and unexplained abortions in cattle this summer and autumn, as these could be early signs of lumpy skin disease (LSD).

Once confined to Africa, LSD was detected in the European Union for the first time last August, when Greece reported two outbreaks.

More than 100 further outbreaks occurred between September and December 2015 and the disease reappeared in April of this year. Almost simultaneously, it was found in a second EU country, Bulgaria, and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

Professor Kenton Morgan, from the University of Liverpool, wrote in Veterinary Record (Vol 178 No 20) letters: 'Early recognition is imperative in limiting the impact of novel or exotic diseases.

'Where clinical signs are easily visible, as is the case with LSD, there is a need for those who regularly observe cattle… to be vigilant for the appearance of skin wheals or lumps. Skin wheals, whether palpable or visible, and unexplained abortions should trigger the addition of LSD to the list of differential diagnoses. Look out also for swelling in the legs and lymph nodes.'

The transmission of LSD is not well understood, making it difficult to assess the risk of spread, Prof Morgan added. Vaccination is a major control strategy.

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.