First bluetongue cases confirmed in Lincolnshire
More than 40 premises in England have now been affected by the virus.
Three cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) has been confirmed in north east Lincolnshire following surveillance in the East Riding of Yorkshire temporary control zone (TCZ).
The first case was confirmed on 10 September, followed by two further cases on 11 September. In response, the Animal and Plant Health Agency has extended the TCZ in the area.
On 11 September, a case was also identified in Essex within the restricted zone that covers Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and part of Greater London.
In total, cases have been confirmed on 41 premises in England during the current vector season. The first case was confirmed on 26 August.
The secretary of state for for environment, food and rural affairs recently permitted the use of three unauthorised vaccines for BTV-3 under licence. The vaccines reduce symptoms of the virus, rather than prevent it, meaning that any movement restrictions in force will still apply to vaccinated animals.
The virus is also continuing to spread in mainland Europe. Switzerland reported its first cases of BTV-3 on 30 August and cases have continued to be detected across the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany. The disease has continued to spread in France and Denmark after their first cases of BTV-3 were detected earlier this year.
Christine Middlemiss, the UK’s chief veterinary officer, said: “I urge farmers to contact their veterinarians if they wish to use the vaccines and to continue monitoring their animals frequently for clinical signs and report suspicion of disease immediately to the Animal [and] Plant Health Agency.”
Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. Suspected cases must be reported 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 areas where restrictions apply 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.
