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New strain of bluetongue spreads in the Netherlands
More than 700 Dutch farms have been affected by the outbreak.

UK farmers warned to remain vigilant.

A new strain of bluetongue virus (BTV-3) is quickly spreading between farms in the Netherlands, raising fears that it could reach the UK.

In response, Ruminant Health and Welfare (RH&W) has led a series of emergency meetings in the past week. More than 40 stakeholders and representatives from the farming industry across the UK have taken part in the discussions.

Farmers are being urged to source animals from Europe responsbily, proritise biosecurity, monitor livestock closely and report any signs of the disease.

Since first being identified in the Netherlands in early September, the BTV-3 strain has spread to more than 700 farms in the country. A new case has also recently been reported in Belgium.

Great Britain last experienced a major outbreak of bluetongue in 2007.

Dr Joseph Henry, president of the Sheep Veterinary Society and member of RH&W’s steering group, said: “What we are advising is three-fold. Farmers need to beware when buying animals in, especially from Europe, take action to report any signs of the disease, and at all times, remain vigilant.”

Another member of the RH&W steering group, Cat Mclaughlin, chief animal health and welfare advisor for the National Farmers' Union, added: “Currently, there are no reports of the new strain in the UK. But it is felt that due to the nature of bluetongue’s ability to spread via infected midges, and current warm weather conditions, the risk of it reaching the UK is increasing, so we must adhere to advice and do all we can to keep it out.”

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. Anyone suspecting a case must report it to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.

 

Image (C) Shutterstock

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise £100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.