First bluetongue cases confirmed in Wales
Bluetongue has never previously been detected in Wales.
Bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) has been confirmed for the first time in Wales after three sheep transported from the East of England to a premises in Gwynedd tested positive.
The disease has also been detected outside of the restricted zone in England at a premises in Bath, Somerset. As with the case in Gwynedd, the infected animal had been moved from an area where the disease is now known to be circulating.
In both cases, the infected animals have been culled and the premises placed under restrictions. Further investigations are being carried out to determine if additional control measures are needed.
The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has also reported that a case has been discovered in an animal imported into Devon. The other animals in the consignment all tested negative. The infected animal has been culled and the other animals will undergo repeat testing.
Farmers have been urged to be vigilant for signs of BTV-3 and to practise safe-sourcing when acquiring livestock.
Gavin Watkins, Wales’ deputy chief veterinary officer, said: “It is important to talk to your vet and practise safe-sourcing of livestock to protect our herds and flocks and keep any further disease out of Wales.
“I would urge all farmers and others who keep ruminants and camelids to be vigilant for the signs of bluetongue and to report any suspect cases to APHA immediately.
“We have been raising awareness of the disease with vets and industry and appreciate their help in communicating the risks to animal keepers in Wales.”
Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. Suspected cases must be reported on 03003 038 268 in Wales or 03000 200 301 in England. In Scotland, suspected cases should be reported to the local field services office.
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With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.
