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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 27th August 2024
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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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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.