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ASF spreads to Belgium
ASF was recently reported in China and Bulgaria for the first time.
UK experts concerned as virus moves closer

African swine fever has been detected in Belgium for the first time since 1985, prompting concerns that the virus is moving closer to the UK.

The virus was confirmed in four wild boar in Etalle, Luxembourg.

Commenting on the outbreak, Zoe Davies, chief executive of the UK’s National Pig Association, said: “We are very concerned as this was a big jump geographically for the virus. It brings ASF closer to the UK and highlights how the virus can be moved long distances to reach new pig populations.

“We are doing everything we can to ensure the virus does not reach the UK pig herd.

ASF was recently reported in China and Bulgaria for the first time and there has been an increase in outbreaks on commercial pig farms in Romania and Poland. Experts say the virus will ‘almost certainly’ spread to other Asian countries.

As a result, the risk of the virus entering the UK via contaminated pig products has been raised from ‘low’ to ‘medium’.

Davies added: “Our focus is on making sure we do absolutely everything we can to keep the virus out – the consequences of ASF reaching our pig herd are enormous, but it will only take one mistake to let it in.

“We also want to ensure we are fully prepared, so we will be ready should the worst scenario happen.”

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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.