Secretary of State visited an Essex farm this week
(Wednesday 25th September) to hear from NFU representatives and a
famer who recently had animals tested for bluetongue serotype 3
(BTV-3).
The Secretary of State, accompanied by Animal Plant Health Agency
staff, including APHA's Veterinary Head of Outbreaks for England
Sascha Van Helvoort, heard about the impact this disease has been
having on the industry and the importance of reporting livestock
suspected of having the disease.
Bluetongue virus is primarily transmitted by midge bites and
affects cattle, goats, sheep, deer and camelids, with case
numbers now increasing dramatically in northern
Europe. Symptoms include fever,
lethargy, ulcers or sores in the mouth or nose, and reduced milk
yield.
Disease control zones were put in place to control the movement
of potentially affected animals as soon as bluetongue serotype 3
(BTV-3) was detected. These zones have been under constant review
and adjustment as the disease situation has developed, such as
when evidence of local transmission of disease emerged. A single
Restricted Zone is now in place covering the east of England from
Lincolnshire to West Sussex.
Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural
Affairs, , said:
I have heard first-hand the experiences of farmers battling this
disease and we are working hard to prevent its spread into other
areas of England and Great Britain.
We understand restrictions can have an impact but stress the
importance of everyone adhering to these. We are committed to
working with everyone affected and urge people to report
livestock they suspect have the disease.
Sascha Van Helvoort, APHA Veterinary Head of Field
Delivery and Veterinary Head of Outbreaks for England,
said:
The increasing number of bluetongue virus (BTV-3) cases
demonstrate the importance of vigilance from all livestock
keepers and farmers.
We have field teams, vets and scientists across the country who
are working hard to help tackle bluetongue virus and ensure
farmers are being supported.
If you have any suspicions of disease, you must report this to
the Animal Plant Health Agency immediately so we can provide
assistance.
Defra has permitted use of the currently available unauthorised
BTV-3 vaccines, subject to licence. We recommend animal keepers
work with their veterinarians to decide if vaccination is right
for their animals. To prioritise initial supplies, a general
licence allows those in high-risk counties of England to use the
vaccine. Specific licences can be applied for through APHA by
animal keepers elsewhere in England who wish to use the vaccine
BTV is a notifiable disease. Suspicion of BTV in animals in
England must be reported to the Animal and Plant Health Agency on
03000 200 301, 03003 038 268 in Wales or your local Field
Services Office in Scotland.
View more
information about bluetongue. Check the list of all
bluetongue cases and control zones and view
the bluetongue
interactive map.
