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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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Antibiotic Amnesty survey opens

News Story 1
 The Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance - Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA - CA&E) has launched a survey which seeks to measure the success of this year's Antibiotic Amnesty campaign.

Its results will help the group to calculate how many unused or out-of-date antibiotics were returned as part of the campaign throughout November. Practices are also asked how they engaged with clients to raise awareness of the issue.

Participating practices can enter a prize draw to win up to 100 in vouchers for taking part. Further prizes from BSAVA and Webinar Vet will be available for practices with the best input.

The survey takes a few minutes to complete and will be running throughout December. It can be accessed via this link. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue cases lead to restricted zone extension

Following the detection of new cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3), the restricted zone has been extended to include additional parts of Hampshire, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire and North Yorkshire, as well as Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole and part of Dorset.

The zone now covers 28 counties and unitary authorities in England. As of 16 December, 185 cases of BTV-3 have been confirmed in England and Wales during the current vector period.

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

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