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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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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.