New instances of bluetongue in Kent and Norfolk’s non permanent management zones (TCZ) brings the full quantity to 35 since final month’s preliminary outbreak.
The UK’s chief veterinary officer has urged farmers to stay vigilant for bluetongue serotype 3 following the recent instances.
There’s presently a short lived management zone (TCZ) in Kent and Norfolk after the preliminary outbreak of the virus on 11 November, the UK’s first case since 2007.
Since then, eighteen farms and holdings have been impacted by bluetongue virus.
Nevertheless, Defra stated there’s nonetheless no proof that it’s presently circulating in midges in Britain.
Defra stated in an replace: “Following energetic surveillance within the north-east Kent TCZ, 1 additional case of bluetongue in a cow has been recognized within the Sandwich Bay space within the TCZ.
“The animal can be humanely culled to minimise the chance of onward transmission. The TCZ is just not being prolonged and motion restrictions proceed to use to cattle, sheep and different ruminants within the zone.
“This brings the full variety of instances in England to 35 contaminated animals on 18 premises.”
The division added: “There’s nonetheless no proof that bluetongue virus is presently circulating in midges in Nice Britain. Surveillance is ongoing.”
The bluetongue virus is often transmitted by midge bites and impacts cows, goats, sheep and different camelids similar to llamas.
Midges are most energetic between April and November and never all prone animals present speedy, or any, indicators of contracting the virus.
Impacts on prone animals can differ enormously – some present no signs or results in any respect whereas for others it may trigger productiveness points similar to lowered milk yield, whereas in essentially the most extreme instances may be deadly for contaminated animals.
Christine Middlemiss, the UK’s chief veterinary officer, has urged farmers to stay vigilant for bluetongue virus.
“Bluetongue doesn’t pose a menace to human well being or meals security, however the illness can affect livestock farms, and trigger productiveness points,” she stated.
“This detection is an instance of our strong illness surveillance procedures in motion and it’s also a transparent reminder for farmers that the illness stays a menace, regardless of coming in the direction of the tip of the midge exercise season.
“Farmers should stay vigilant and report any suspicions to APHA.”
BTV is a notifiable illness. Suspicion of BTV in animals in England have to be reported to the Animal and Plant Well being Company on 03000 200 301.
Farmers in and across the TCZ also can name Ruminant Well being & Welfare’s (RH&W) bluetongue hotline on 024 7771 0386 for recommendation.
Bluetongue doesn’t have an effect on folks or meals security.
