Following the finding last month of Bluetongue virus in two
cattle imported from France into Great Britain (GB), a further
Bluetongue case has now been detected in GB in a sheep, also
imported from France.
Reiterating his call for increased vigilance Northern Ireland’s
Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Robert Huey has urged all herd and
flock keepers to source animals responsibly and to be aware of
the risks associated with importing animals from bluetongue
affected areas.
Dr. Huey said: “Bluetongue does not pose a threat to human health
or food safety, but can severely impact farming productivity on
affected premises.
“While it is reassuring that the UK’s stringent post-import
checks and robust disease surveillance procedures have again been
effective, this second finding of the virus in recent weeks is a
further reminder to farmers of the need to remain vigilant and
highlights the risks of importing animals from disease-affected
areas into their herds.”
Livestock importers 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;
- Consider what additional guarantees the seller can provide
such as a pre-export test carried out to prove immunity to
Bluetongue Virus;
- Practise good biosecurity on their farm premises
- https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/biosecurity
- Stay alert to any signs of the disease, such as mouth ulcers
and drooling from the mouth and nose, and report to DAERA
immediately.
Dr. Huey added: “Anyone who imports from Bluetongue affected
countries or zones faces the possibility that if the imported
animals are subsequently found to be infected with Bluetongue,
then they will be slaughtered and no compensation will be paid.”
APHA is working closely with the livestock keeper affected to
ensure that swift action is taken to prevent spread of the
disease with movement restrictions at the affected premises,
targeted surveillance and the humane culling of animals where
necessary.
The UK remains officially bluetongue-free and exports are not
affected.
Notes to editors:
1. Bluetongue is a virus spread by midges which transfer the
virus from animal to animal. It affects animals such as cattle,
goats, deer and sheep. It does not affect humans.
2. This is second finding of the virus in GB in recent weeks the
first in two cattle and now in a sheep.
3. Bluetongue affects all ruminants (such as sheep, cattle, goat,
deer, camels, llamas, giraffes, bison, buffalo, wildebeest and
antelope). Other species such as elephants may be affected
sporadically. Although sheep are most severely affected. Cattle
and goats which appear healthy can carry high levels of the virus
and provide a source of further infection.
4. In sheep the clinical signs include:
- fever
- swelling of the head and neck
- lameness
- inflammation and ulceration of the mucous membrane of the
mouth, nose and eyes
- drooling
- haemorrhages in the skin and other tissues
- respiratory problems, such as froth in the lungs and an
inability to swallow
- high mortality rate
- discoloration and swelling of the tongue (rare)
5. Although Bluetongue usually causes no apparent illness in
cattle or goats (it is possible that cattle will show no signs of
illness) however clinical signs have included:
- nasal discharge
- swelling and ulceration of the mouth
- swollen teats
If you suspect the presence of the disease, contact your local
Divisional Veterinary Office immediately.
6. The UK has been officially free from the disease since July
2011. There has never been an outbreak of Bluetongue in
Northern Ireland.
7. Animal keepers in Northern Ireland are not permitted to
vaccinate their animals against Bluetongue. However, if
Bluetongue was confirmed in Northern Ireland, a veterinary risk
assessment would be carried out and a licence may be issued to
permit vaccination. Vaccination against one strain of Bluetongue
virus does not give protection against any other strain.
