Bluetongue cases confirmed in Suffolk and Norfolk
Farmers are urged to remain vigilant.
Three new cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) have been confirmed on premises in Norfolk and Suffolk.
Two sheep have tested positive near Norwich, Norfolk, as well as a single sheep near Lowestoft, Suffolk.
The cases follow the confirmation of a case near Haddiscoe, Norfolk on 26 August, the first to be detected in Great Britain during the 2024/25 vector season.
In response to the further cases, the temporary control zone (TCZ) which was put in place at the start of the week has been extended to include more of Norfolk and east Suffolk. The movement of susceptible animals and their germinal products will be restricted in the TCZ except under license.
All four infected animals have been humanely culled to minimise the risk of onward transmission. Keepers of cattle, sheep, camelids and other ruminants have been urged to remain vigilant and follow the restrictions.
Between November 2023 and March 2024, a total of 126 cases of BTV-3 were detected in England. This year has also seen the strain spread to Luxembourg, France and Denmark for the first time as well as causing thousands of cases in the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium where the virus overwintered.
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 map of the Temporary Control Zone can be found here.
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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.
