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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 11th December 2023
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Bluetongue cases confirmed in Norfolk
The two cases in Norfolk are the first outside Kent.
The first case affecting a sheep has also been confirmed in 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.

Image © 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.