A rising number of bluetongue cases in Europe has led the UK's
Chief Veterinary Officer to call for renewed vigilance and
responsible sourcing of livestock.
The latest outbreak
assessment from the Animal and Plant Health Agency
confirms the growing number of cases of Bluetongue virus (BTV-3)
in the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium, with over 4,000 recorded
new cases reported since May 2024.
The first ever cases of BTV-3 have also been confirmed in France,
Luxembourg and Denmark, while the virus strain has successfully
overwintered in the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium.
While the overall risk level for an incursion of BTV-3 into Great
Britain remains at medium, the risk of infected midges being
blown over from northern Europe is variable and continues to
depend on weather conditions, with midges generally more active
during the warmer months.
Farmers should therefore continue to monitor their animals
frequently for clinical signs and are reminded of the vital
importance of responsible sourcing of animals with a reliable
health status. Always speak to your private vet when importing
livestock, as the situation in Europe is continually changing.
Free testing is also available for animals moving from the
highest risk counties of Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Kent and East
Sussex to elsewhere in Great Britain. This includes animals sold
at a market within a high-risk county and moved elsewhere. This
will help guard against animal movements potentially transporting
undetected disease to new areas. Details of how to book a free
test are available on
gov.uk.
Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss
said:
“BTV outbreaks in Europe are on the rise and we must remain
vigilant to the threat of disease spread. If you suspect disease
in your animals please report.
“If you intend to move animals to live out of high-risk counties,
including if you are buying in new animals, please take advantage
of the free testing scheme to help stop the movement of
non-clinical disease.
“Bluetongue does not pose a threat to human health or food
safety, but the disease can impact livestock farms, and damage
animal and business productivity.”
Animal and Plant Health Agency interim Chief Executive
Jenny Stewart said:
“The Animal and Plant Health Agency's latest outbreak assessment
sets out the scale of bluetongue cases across Europe and
underlines how important it is for farmers and animal keepers to
monitor their livestock and to take up the offer of free testing
where necessary.
“Our scientists, vets and field teams stand ready to tackle an
outbreak of bluetongue virus and ensure farmers are kept up to
date and supported.”
Bluetongue virus is primarily transmitted by midge bites and
affects cattle, goats, sheep and camelids such as llamas. The
impacts on susceptible animals can vary greatly – some show no
clinical signs or effects at all while for others it can cause
productivity issues such as reduced milk yield, while in the most
severe cases can be fatal for infected animals.
It does not affect people, and meat and milk from infected
animals are safe to eat and drink.
Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. Suspicion of BTV in animals
in England must be reported to the Animal and Plant Health Agency
on 03000 200 301. Keep up to date with the latest situation
on www.gov.uk/bluetongue.
