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First bluetongue cases confirmed in Lincolnshire
More than 40 premises in England have now been affected by the virus.
Temporary control zone has been extended.

Three cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) has been confirmed in north east Lincolnshire following surveillance in the East Riding of Yorkshire temporary control zone (TCZ).

The first case was confirmed on 10 September, followed by two further cases on 11 September. In response, the Animal and Plant Health Agency has extended the TCZ in the area.

On 11 September, a case was also identified in Essex within the restricted zone that covers Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and part of Greater London.

In total, cases have been confirmed on 41 premises in England during the current vector season. The first case was confirmed on 26 August.

The secretary of state for for environment, food and rural affairs recently permitted the use of three unauthorised vaccines for BTV-3 under licence. The vaccines reduce symptoms of the virus, rather than prevent it, meaning that any movement restrictions in force will still apply to vaccinated animals.

The virus is also continuing to spread in mainland Europe. Switzerland reported its first cases of BTV-3 on 30 August and cases have continued to be detected across the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany. The disease has continued to spread in France and Denmark after their first cases of BTV-3 were detected earlier this year.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK’s chief veterinary officer, said: “I urge farmers to contact their veterinarians if they wish to use the vaccines and to continue monitoring their animals frequently for clinical signs and report suspicion of disease immediately to the Animal [and] Plant Health Agency.”

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. Suspected cases must be reported 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 areas where restrictions apply can be found here.

Image © Shutterstock

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
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Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.