Bluetongue cases confirmed in Norfolk
The two cases in Norfolk are the first outside Kent.
Two cases of bluetongue have been confirmed in cattle at premises near Cantley, Norfolk, following routine surveillance.
A 10km Temporary Control Zone has been put in place by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), restricting the movement of cattle, sheep, and other ruminants. Investigations are under way to find out if there has been any local spread.
The new cases in Norfolk come at a time when more cases of Bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) have been confirmed in Kent. Since the first case was confirmed on premises near Canterbury on 11 November, the virus has been found on a total of five premises within Kent’s extended Temporary Control Zone.
These cases mark the first time the virus has been confirmed in England since 2007. APHA has said: ‘There is currently no evidence that there is circulating virus.’
The majority of cases have been in cattle, but on Friday (8 December) the first case affecting a sheep was confirmed in Kent.
National Sheep Association chief executive Phil Stocker said: “It is disappointing, but nonetheless, not entirely surprising that BTV-3 has now been found in sheep.
“NSA understands the case was found in a mixed herd and identified through the routine surveillance testing currently being undertaken. BTV-3 is transmitted by biting midges which are most active between the months of April and November. There has been no direct animal to animal spread of the disease in this current outbreak.
“NSA continues to urge any sheep farmers within the TCZ to of course comply with the movement restrictions in place, but also encourages those who might be traveling to the area or have stock heading off on winter keep to remain vigilant. The disease can spread rapidly amongst ruminants therefore swiftly notifying Defra is imperative for control.”
Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. Suspected cases must be reported immediately on 03000 200 301 in England or 03003 038 268 in Wales. In Scotland, suspected cases should be reported to the local field services office.
A bluetongue hotline has also been launched for farmers and animal keepers, available from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, on 024 7771 0386.
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With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.
