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France reports 13 new outbreaks of BTV-8
cow
'The weather is starting to improve and as daily average temperatures increase in mainland France and the UK, so our risk level will start to increase.' (stock photo)

Risk to the UK will rise as daily temperatures increase - Defra

France has reported 13 new outbreaks of bluetongue virus 8 (BTV-8) in just under a month, new figures show. Defra is warning that as daily temperatures start to increase, so does the risk of outbreaks in the UK.

There have now been 285 confirmed cases in France since September 2015, when the country reported its first outbreak in five years. The risk of the disease spreading to the UK is estimated to be up to 80 per cent, with cases most likely in late summer.

The latest report from Defra shows 13 new outbreaks at French cattle holdings since the last update on 13 May, 2016.

'Our risk level remains the same,' the report states. 'However the weather is starting to improve and as daily average temperatures increase in mainland France and the UK, so our risk level will start to increase.'

Recent cases in France show variable clinical signs that are not pathognomonic for BTV. Defra encouraged vets to note this variability when considering BTV as a possible differential diagnosis.

A vaccine will be made available for vets and farmers in Great Britain from mid-July. Farmers are being advised to speak to their vet about the potential benefits as a matter of urgency.

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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.