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New bluetongue case confirmed in Wales
Evidence suggests that bluetongue is not currently circulating in Wales.
Animal moved to Anglesey tests positive.

The Welsh government has confirmed that a case of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) has been detected in an animal moved to Anglesey from the East of England.

The new case comes after BTV-3 was detected in three sheep in Gwynedd on 27 September. The three sheep had also been moved to Wales from the East of England. These cases are the first time that bluetongue has been identified in Wales.

After the cases in Gwynedd were detected, the infected animals were culled to prevent the virus from spreading. The Animal and Plant Health Agency and the Pirbright Institute have also undertaken extensive sampling and laboratory testing.

All of the sheep which had been moved to the premises at the same time as the infected animals have tested negative. The resident sheep and cattle have also tested negative. Further testing is planned and movement restrictions remain in place that mean that no livestock can be moved on or off the premises.

Because of the negative test results, the deputy chief veterinary officer of Wales has reached an interim conclusion that BTV-3 is unlikely to be circulating in Wales.

In a written statement published yesterday (2 October) in response to the Gwynedd cases, Huw Irranca-Davies, cabinet secretary for climate change and rural affairs, said: ‘My policy goal remains to keep bluetongue out of Wales, for the benefit of our animals and of those who keep them.   

‘I appreciate that many in the farming community will be concerned about bluetongue. Dealing successfully with a disease incursion such as this requires co-operation and collaboration between farmers, vets and the various government agencies involved.

‘I would like to thank farmers in Wales for their vigilance, and I am grateful to all concerned for the swift action taken to deal with this incident.’

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

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New guidelines published for wildlife disease surveillance

News Story 1
 A set of international guidelines for disease surveillance in wildlife has been updated for the first time since 2015.

Released by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and the World Organisation for Animal Health, General Guidelines for Surveillance of Diseases, Pathogens and Toxic Agents in Free-ranging Wildlife is designed to help wildlife authorities and others working with wildlife carry out effective surveillance programmes.

The document, which cover areas including choosing appropriate strategies, safety and biosafety protocols, and ethical and legal considerations, can be read here.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Restricted zone extended after more bluetongue cases

After three new cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 were detected along the Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire border, the restricted zone has been extended.

The zone now includes Buckinghamshire and part of Berkshire, as well as Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, City of Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Sussex, Essex, Greater London, part of Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, part of Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, part of Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Suffolk, Surrey, and West Sussex.

Susceptible animals in the restricted zone should only be moved if it is essential. A specific licence is needed to move a susceptible animal from within the restricted zone to outside of the zone.

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

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