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Free bluetongue tests now available in high-risk counties
The most recent case of BTV-3 in England was confirmed in March 2024.
Livestock keepers can apply for testing before moving or selling animals.

Free bluetongue testing has been made available to livestock keepers in areas of England where there is considered to be a high risk of the virus being introduced.

The tests are free for livestock being moved from high-risk counties to live in other parts of Great Britain and for animals being sold at a market in a high-risk county where there will be buyers from outside the high-risk counties.

The high-risk countries, all along the east coast of England, are Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Kent and East Sussex.

Between November 2023 and March 2024, there were 126 confirmed cases of BTV-3 in England. Although there are have been no confirmed cases of the virus since 8 March 2024, there is considered to be a very high chance that bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) will be reintroduced to livestock in Great Britain this year by windborne midges from northern Europe.

There is ongoing surveillance of both midges and susceptible animals. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is also currently engaging with vaccine manufacturers about the development of a safe and effective vaccine for BTV-3.

Christine Middlemiss, UK 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.

“We know that the likelihood of bluetongue virus entering Great Britain is increasing and so I would urge farmers to remain vigilant and report any suspicions to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.

“If you intend to move animals to live out of high-risk counties please take advantage of this free testing as it will help stop the movement of undetected disease.”

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease and any suspicion of it in animals in England must be reported to the Animal and Plant Health Agency on 03000 200 301.

Details about how to apply for free testing can be found here.

Image © Shutterstock

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New guidelines published for wildlife disease surveillance

News Story 1
 A set of international guidelines for disease surveillance in wildlife has been updated for the first time since 2015.

Released by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and the World Organisation for Animal Health, General Guidelines for Surveillance of Diseases, Pathogens and Toxic Agents in Free-ranging Wildlife is designed to help wildlife authorities and others working with wildlife carry out effective surveillance programmes.

The document, which cover areas including choosing appropriate strategies, safety and biosafety protocols, and ethical and legal considerations, can be read here.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Restricted zone extended after more bluetongue cases

After three new cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 were detected along the Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire border, the restricted zone has been extended.

The zone now includes Buckinghamshire and part of Berkshire, as well as Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, City of Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Sussex, Essex, Greater London, part of Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, part of Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, part of Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Suffolk, Surrey, and West Sussex.

Susceptible animals in the restricted zone should only be moved if it is essential. A specific licence is needed to move a susceptible animal from within the restricted zone to outside of the zone.

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. In Northern Ireland, suspected cases should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.

A map of the areas where restrictions apply can be found here.