UK Agency Reports 92 New Bluetongue Outbreaks

The UK's Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs reported 92 new outbreaks of bluetongue. The data is for September 20: 64 cases were confirmed in England and 28 in Wales. Most of the registered infections are associated with serotype 3 of the virus, BTV-3.

Out of the 92 new outbreaks, 73 were detected in sheep flocks, and another 19 affected cattle herds. Considering this data, the number of cases in the country this season has reached 1,621.

New outbreaks were recorded in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Powys, and Pembrokeshire, as well as in other regions. All farms were put under control following reports from farmers about possible clinical symptoms of the disease in animals.

Control Measures

Quarantine restrictions for bluetongue are in effect across England and Wales. The movement of livestock susceptible to the infection into Scotland is allowed only with special licenses.

Specific requirements are set for the reproductive sector. Freezing and selling of sperm, eggs, and embryos is allowed only after mandatory testing of animals used as donors.

Farmers are encouraged to intensify monitoring of livestock and to conduct vaccinations. The agency links the spread of the outbreak to warm weather: the activity of midges that carry the virus has continued in the country since late March amid high temperatures.

Experts also warn that infected insects could be transported by wind across the English Channel from mainland Europe.