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Bluetongue cases confirmed in Suffolk and Norfolk
Farmers are urged to remain vigilant.
The temporary control zone has been extended in response.

Three new cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) have been confirmed on premises in Norfolk and Suffolk.

Two sheep have tested positive near Norwich, Norfolk, as well as a single sheep near Lowestoft, Suffolk.

The cases follow the confirmation of a case near Haddiscoe, Norfolk on 26 August, the first to be detected in Great Britain during the 2024/25 vector season.

In response to the further cases, the temporary control zone (TCZ) which was put in place at the start of the week has been extended to include more of Norfolk and east Suffolk. The movement of susceptible animals and their germinal products will be restricted in the TCZ except under license.

All four infected animals have been humanely culled to minimise the risk of onward transmission. Keepers of cattle, sheep, camelids and other ruminants have been urged to remain vigilant and follow the restrictions.

Between November 2023 and March 2024, a total of 126 cases of BTV-3 were detected in England. This year has also seen the strain spread to Luxembourg, France and Denmark for the first time as well as causing thousands of cases in the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium where the virus overwintered.

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 Temporary Control Zone can be found here.

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.