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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 11th December 2023
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Bluetongue cases confirmed in Norfolk
The two cases in Norfolk are the first outside Kent.
The first case affecting a sheep has also been confirmed in Kent.

Two cases of bluetongue have been confirmed in cattle at premises near Cantley, Norfolk, following routine surveillance.

A 10km Temporary Control Zone has been put in place by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), restricting the movement of cattle, sheep, and other ruminants. Investigations are under way to find out if there has been any local spread.

The new cases in Norfolk come at a time when more cases of Bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) have been confirmed in Kent. Since the first case was confirmed on premises near Canterbury on 11 November, the virus has been found on a total of five premises within Kent’s extended Temporary Control Zone.

These cases mark the first time the virus has been confirmed in England since 2007. APHA has said: ‘There is currently no evidence that there is circulating virus.’

The majority of cases have been in cattle, but on Friday (8 December) the first case affecting a sheep was confirmed in Kent.

National Sheep Association chief executive Phil Stocker said: “It is disappointing, but nonetheless, not entirely surprising that BTV-3 has now been found in sheep.

“NSA understands the case was found in a mixed herd and identified through the routine surveillance testing currently being undertaken. BTV-3 is transmitted by biting midges which are most active between the months of April and November. There has been no direct animal to animal spread of the disease in this current outbreak.

“NSA continues to urge any sheep farmers within the TCZ to of course comply with the movement restrictions in place, but also encourages those who might be traveling to the area or have stock heading off on winter keep to remain vigilant. The disease can spread rapidly amongst ruminants therefore swiftly notifying Defra is imperative for control.”

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 bluetongue hotline has also been launched for farmers and animal keepers, available from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, on 024 7771 0386.

Image © Shutterstock

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.