Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

First bluetongue cases confirmed in Wales
Bluetongue has never previously been detected in Wales.
Virus detected in sheep transported from England.

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.

Image © Shutterstock

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Free CPD announced for BVNA members

News Story 1
 Zoetis is to present a CPD event for free to members of the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA).

Led by veterinary consultant Ruth Moxon, the one-hour online session is designed to help veterinary nurses discuss parasiticide options with clients. It will advise on structuring recommendations, factors for product choice and moving away from 'selling'.

'How do you recommend parasite treatments to your clients?' will be presented on Tuesday, 20 May at 7.30pm. It is free for BVNA members, with £15.00 tickets for non-members.

Veterinary nurses can email cpd@bvna.co.uk to book their place. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
DAERA to reduce BVD 'grace period'

DAERA has reminded herd keepers of an upcoming reduction to the 'grace period' to avoid BVD herd restrictions.

From 1 May 2025, herd keepers will have seven days to cull any BVD positive or inconclusive animals to avoid restrictions being applied to their herd.

It follows legislation introduced on 1 February, as DAERA introduces herd movement restrictions through a phased approach. Herd keepers originally had 28 days to cull BVD positive or inconclusive animals.

DAERA says that, providing herd keepers use the seven-day grace period, no herds should be restricted within the first year of these measures.

Additional measures, which will target herds with animals over 30 days old that haven't been tested for BVD, will be introduced from 1 June 2025.

More information is available on the DAERA website.