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Bluetongue case confirmed in Great Britain
“Farmers must remain vigilant and report any suspicions to APHA” – Christine Middlesmiss, chief veterinary officer.
Defra introduces 10km Temporary Control Zone.

A case of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) has been confirmed in a single cow on a farm near Canterbury, Kent.

The case, the first in Great Britain since 2007, was identified by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and the Pirbright Institute through Great Britain’s annual bluetongue surveillance programme.

The cow has been culled and a 10km Temporary Control Zone has been put in place which restricts the movement of cattle, sheep and other ruminants. The Government is urging farmers to be vigilant.

Since the start of September, a new strain of BTV-3 has affected hundreds of farms in the Netherlands, with cases also reported in Belgium and Germany. There are restrictions in place on the movement of livestock from affected regions.

The infected animal had not been imported.

Chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss 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 detection is an example of our robust disease surveillance procedures in action and it is also a clear reminder for farmers that the disease remains a threat, despite coming towards the end of the midge activity season.

“Farmers must remain vigilant and report any suspicions to APHA.”

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. Suspected cases must be reported to APHA on 03000 200 301.

Image © Shutterstock

 

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Vetlife nominated for campaign award

News Story 1
 Vetlife has been shortlisted for the Association of Charity Organisations (ACO) Campaign of the Year Award 2024.

The nomination recognises its campaigning to raise awareness of neurodiversity within the profession and produce resources for individuals and workplaces. Vetlife's campaign has included talks, lived experience blogs, and an awareness video.

Kirstie Pickles, Vetlife trustee and project lead, said: "I am thrilled and delighted that the Vetlife neurodiversity awareness campaign has been shortlisted for the ACO Campaign of the Year Award 2024"

The winner will be announced 12 September 2024. 

Click here for more...
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.