The UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer has urged sheep farmers
to remain vigilant for bluetongue virus (BTV) after the disease was
picked up and dealt with in a consignment of four sheep
imported from France.
The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and the
Pirbright Institute identified the disease as part of
routine post-import testing when the sheep were brought to
Lancashire. The four sheep have been humanely culled as a
result.
Bluetongue does not affect people or food safety. The virus
is transmitted by midge bites and affects cattle, goats,
sheep and other camelids such as llamas. It can reduce milk
yield, cause infertility and in the most severe cases is
fatal for infected animals.
The midges are most active between May and October and not
all susceptible animals show immediate signs of contracting
the virus.
Action is being taken to ensure the spread of the disease
is prevented, with movement restrictions at the affected
premises. This follows similar action taken
for two affected
cattle last month.
Strict rules on the movement of livestock from regions
affected by bluetongue are already in place. However, sheep
farmers are strongly reminded to:
- Discuss their needs with a private veterinary surgeon
and consider the risks and the health status of animals
when sourcing stock from regions affected by bluetongue
virus, such as France.
- Consider what additional guarantees the seller can
provide as to the animal’s vaccination status before
purchasing (for example – by requesting that a pre-export
test is carried out to prove immunity
to BTV).
- Ensure that imported animals are accompanied by
original health certificates and are kept by the person who
ordered the consignment.
- Prevent the disease spreading by practising good
biosecurity on their farm premises.
- Stay alert to any signs of the disease, such as mouth
ulcers and drooling from the mouth and nose, and report
to APHA immediately.
Chief Veterinary Officer for the UK, Christine Middlemiss,
said:
Bluetongue does not pose a threat to human health or food
safety, but the disease can have a serious impact on
farming productivity by causing sheep infertility. This
is particularly important at this time of year.
This detection is another example of our robust disease
surveillance procedures in action but must highlight to
farmers the risks that come with bringing animals from
disease-affected areas into their herds. It is also a
clear reminder for farmers that the disease remains a
threat, despite coming towards the end of the season when
midges are active.
Farmers must remain vigilant and report any suspicions
to APHA. They should
also work with importers to make sure effective
vaccination needs are complied with and that all animals
are sourced responsibly.
The UK Government has worked closely with a number of
groups to raise awareness of the threat of bluetongue
through the Joint campaign Against Bluetongue (JAB). More
information about bluetongue is available here.
