Bluetongue warning after virus confirmed on Norfolk farm

A bluetongue outbreak on a Norfolk farm has reignited concern about the virus – and the need to keep vigilant for the disease.

Veterinary experts and industry leaders had warned it was only a matter of time before bluetongue was confirmed in the UK this year – likely to be carried over from continental Europe by midges during warmer summer weather.

Case details

Bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) was confirmed in a single sheep on a mixed farm near Haddiscoe, 16 miles south-east of Norwich. A 20 km Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) was declared around the Norfolk farm on Sunday, 26 August.

Bluetongue virus symptoms range from mild to serious – including ulcers, productivity losses and death. Restrictions have been imposed on cattle, sheep and other ruminants and their germinal products moving in and out of the control zone.

Earlier this year, the NFU prepared a guide to help farmers prepare for bluetongue on farm. Farmers should be aware when buying livestock, take action if suspecting bluetongue in their animals and always remain vigilant, it said.

Free testing

After an increase in confirmed BTV-3 cases in the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium with some animals showing severe clinical signs, UK chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss has also urged farmers to stay on their guard.

Free testing is now available for livestock moving from the UK high-risk counties to be kept elsewhere in Great Britain or to be sold at a market within a high-risk county where there will be buyers from outside the high-risk counties.

Ms Middlemiss said: “If you intend to move animals to live out of high-risk counties please take advantage of this free testing as it will help stop the movement of undetected disease.”

No licensed bluetongue vaccine is yet available in the UK.

National Sheep Association chief executive Phil Stocker said: “We are encouraging the Government in their engagement with vaccine manufacturers on the development and authorisation of a vaccine for use.”

Although not dangerous to humans, bluetongue virus (BTV) 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.