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Risk of bluetongue spreading to Ireland has increased, minister says
“Early detection of any outbreak in Ireland will be crucial to help us prevent onward spread” – Charlie McConalogue.
Farmers have been urged to be vigilant.

The Republic of Ireland’s minister for agriculture, food and the marine has warned that the risk of bluetongue reaching the country has increased due to the spread of the virus in England and Wales.

More than 100 cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) have now been confirmed in England. The regions where the virus is circulating have been placed under livestock movement restrictions.

However, some cases have been detected outside the zone in animals moved before restrictions were put in place, including in Wales.

The minister, Charlie McConalogue, has reminded farmers to report any suspected cases straight away.

Minister McConalogue said: “It is clear that the risk of spread to Ireland has increased as the disease comes closer to our shores.

“Early detection of any outbreak in Ireland will be crucial to help us prevent onward spread. For that reason, I ask all farmers to report any suspect cases of bluetongue promptly.

“If we can detect and respond to an incursion at an early stage, we have a better chance of stopping its spread and protecting cattle and sheep across the country.”

The BTV-3 strain has also spread across mainland Europe, affecting countries including France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and Denmark.

Minister McConalogue added: “My department is continuing to carry out a range of surveillance and risk-reducing activities, including increased active surveillance of higher risk animals, targeted surveillance, and awareness campaigns.

“I want to remind anyone involved in trading in and transport of livestock to and from affected areas and countries, to support these actions and work closely with their local Regional Veterinary Office.”

Image © Shutterstock

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FIVP Practice Matters podcast returns for Series 2

News Story 1
 The Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP) has announced that its podcast, FIVP Practice Matters, will be returning for a second series next year.

The bi-weekly podcast will return on Tuesday, 14 January 2025 with an episode on sustainability with Alison Lambert. The second series will include a range of new and familiar guests sharing veterinary initiatives and news from independent practices.

The podcast is available on Spotify and will now also be released on Apple Podcasts. More details about FIVP and the podcast can be found on its website

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Further cases of H5N1 confirmed in Norfolk

APHA has officially confirmed that two more cases of H5N1 have been found on premises in Norfolk.

Testing confirmed that highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 was present at premises near Attleborough, as well as premises near Hingham in South Norfolk. The case near Hingham follows a slaughter on suspicion which was declared on 23 December.

A 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone have been implemented at each premises, and all the poultry on each premises will be humanely culled.

A third case has also been identified near Beverley in East Riding of Yorkshire.

APHA is reminding bird keepers to remain vigilant and follow biosecurity measures to prevent more outbreaks. Details on the current disease control zones and biosecurity guidance can be found on the APHA website.