Vets are calling for renewed vigilance and responsible sourcing
after Defra announced that two cattle imported from France to
England have tested positive for the Bluetongue Virus (BTV8)
during post-import testing. The Animal and Plant Health Agency
(APHA) and the Pirbright Institute identified the disease in the
animals when they were brought to Yorkshire from an assembly
centre in Central France.
Defra reports that the infected animals have been humanely culled
and testing is continuing on the additional cattle in the
consignment, with further results expected through next week.
Movement restrictions are in place at the affected
premises.
The British Veterinary Association (BVA), the British Cattle
Veterinary Association, Sheep Veterinary Society and Goat
Veterinary Society have stressed the importance of careful animal
sourcing and highlighted the vital role played by veterinary
surveillance in identifying potential disease risks in the UK.
Commenting, BVA Senior Vice President John Fishwick said:
“We are reassured to see that the systems we have in place for
post-movement testing have led to this disease being detected
quickly, and appropriate action has been taken to safeguard
animals in the area.
“However, this should act as a reminder that farmers, vets and
government agencies must remain vigilant to the threat of disease
spread. All livestock keepers should be reminded of the vital
importance of responsible sourcing of animals, and of fully
understanding the potential disease risks of importing from areas
where disease is known to be circulating. Farmers should always
consult their vet and act within their farm health plan when
sourcing new animals. They should also discuss options such as
vaccination as one of the main methods of disease control.
“Vets play a key role in animal health and disease monitoring in
the UK and BVA will continue to work collaboratively with the UK
Governments and the profession to modernise and enhance the UK’s
disease surveillance networks across all species.”
Bluetongue virus is transmitted by midges and can infect all
ruminants, reducing milk yield, causing sickness, reducing
reproductive performance or, in the most severe cases, causing
death in adult animals. It does not affect people, and meat and
milk from infected animals are safe to eat and drink. Signs of
the disease include eye and nasal discharge, drooling, swelling
around the head or mouth, lethargy and lameness.
