UK: Bluetongue outbreak: new cases in Kent bring total to 14
Source: The DairyNews
In a concerning development, three additional cases of bluetongue in cattle have been identified in Kent, bringing the total number of cases to fourteen. The UK's chief veterinary officer is urging farmers to remain vigilant, particularly for bluetongue serotype 3, following the disease's detection in the Sandwich Bay area of Kent.
The initial outbreak in November prompted the establishment of a wide temporary control zone (TCZ) in Kent, marking the UK's first case of bluetongue since 2007. Last week, the virus was detected in sheep in Norfolk, leading to the implementation of a TCZ in that region as well.
The latest cases in Kent were identified during active surveillance in the north-east Kent TCZ. The affected holding is situated in the existing TCZ, and as a precautionary measure, all three infected animals will be humanely culled to minimize the risk of onward transmission.
While there is currently no extension of the TCZ, movement restrictions continue to apply to cattle, sheep, and other ruminants in the zone. The total number of cases now spans seven different farms.
Defra emphasizes that there is no evidence of the bluetongue virus circulating widely in Britain, but surveillance efforts remain ongoing. The virus is typically transmitted through midge bites, affecting various animals, including cows, goats, sheep, and camelids such as llamas.
Midges are most active between April and November, and the symptoms of bluetongue can vary, with some animals showing no immediate signs, while others may experience reduced milk yield or, in severe cases, fatality.
Christine Middlemiss, the UK’s chief veterinary officer, emphasizes that while bluetongue does not pose a threat to human health or food safety, it can impact livestock farms and cause productivity issues. The detection of new cases underscores the importance of robust disease surveillance procedures and serves as a reminder for farmers to remain vigilant, especially as the midge activity season comes to an end.
Farmers are urged to report any suspicions of bluetongue to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), as the virus is a notifiable disease. Additionally, those within or around the TCZ can seek advice by calling the Ruminant Health & Welfare's (RH&W) bluetongue hotline.
The latest cases in Kent were identified during active surveillance in the north-east Kent TCZ. The affected holding is situated in the existing TCZ, and as a precautionary measure, all three infected animals will be humanely culled to minimize the risk of onward transmission.
While there is currently no extension of the TCZ, movement restrictions continue to apply to cattle, sheep, and other ruminants in the zone. The total number of cases now spans seven different farms.
Defra emphasizes that there is no evidence of the bluetongue virus circulating widely in Britain, but surveillance efforts remain ongoing. The virus is typically transmitted through midge bites, affecting various animals, including cows, goats, sheep, and camelids such as llamas.
Midges are most active between April and November, and the symptoms of bluetongue can vary, with some animals showing no immediate signs, while others may experience reduced milk yield or, in severe cases, fatality.
Christine Middlemiss, the UK’s chief veterinary officer, emphasizes that while bluetongue does not pose a threat to human health or food safety, it can impact livestock farms and cause productivity issues. The detection of new cases underscores the importance of robust disease surveillance procedures and serves as a reminder for farmers to remain vigilant, especially as the midge activity season comes to an end.
Farmers are urged to report any suspicions of bluetongue to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), as the virus is a notifiable disease. Additionally, those within or around the TCZ can seek advice by calling the Ruminant Health & Welfare's (RH&W) bluetongue hotline.
