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Bluetongue case confirmed in Norfolk
Survelliance is being carried out to determine if the virus is circulating in Great Britain.
A temporary control zone has been put in place.

A single case of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) has been confirmed in a sheep at a premises near Haddiscoe, Norfolk.

It is the first case to be detected in Great Britain during the 2024/25 vector season.

A 20km temporary control zone (TCZ) has been put in place by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), covering an area of south east Norfolk and north east Suffolk. The movement of susceptible animals and their germinal products will be restricted in the TCZ except under license.

Because of current temperatures and midge activity, APHA has said that there is a high risk of onward spread. Surveillance is being undertaken to find out whether the virus is currently circulating in Great Britain.

Between November 2023 and March 2024, 126 cases of BTV-3 were detected in England. This year has also seen thousands of cases in continental Europe, with countries such as Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, and France affected.

Ele Brown, the UK's deputy chief veterinary officer, 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 is the first animal in England that has shown clinical signs and been unwell from infection with bluetongue.

“This detection is a clear reminder of the threat of the disease: farmers and their vets must remain vigilant and report any suspicions to APHA.”

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.

A map of the restricted zone can be found here.

Image © Shutterstock

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Central Qualifications to attend BVNA Congress

News Story 1
 Central Qualifications (CQ) is to host a stand at this year's BVNA Congress. The awarding body will be at Stand C9 from 11-13 October.

It will discuss changes to the qualifications strategy and some new qualifications, including a top-up course for equine veterinary care, so qualified veterinary nurses can broaden their skills.

Rachael Shepherd, education consultant at CQ, said: "We are looking forward to attending BVNA Congress this year. There are exciting times ahead, with a revamp to the VN qualifications and assessment strategy and the introduction of some new qualifications." 

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News Shorts
Northern Ireland chief vet warns of bluetongue risk

Following the detection of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) in England, Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer has urged farmers to remain vigilant and source animals responsibly.

Brian Dooher said: "This confirmation in England is a stark reminder of the threat bluetongue presents to Northern Ireland.Whilst this finding in Norfolk is disappointing it is not unexpected giving the rising level of disease across several countries in Europe. Bluetongue does not affect human health or food safety, however an incursion to Northern Ireland would have a significant impact on livestock and the rural economy.

"I would like to remind all farmers of the importance of sourcing animals responsibly and ask that they maintain vigilance for signs of the disease reporting any suspicions to DAERA immediately."

Suspected cases of BTV-3 in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.