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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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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.