On 11 November, the UK Chief Veterinary Officer confirmed a single case of Bluetongue virus (BTV-3) in a cow on a Premises in Kent, near Canterbury, England.
The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and the Pirbright Institute identified the disease through Great Britain’s annual bluetongue surveillance programme.
Action is being taken to ensure the risk of spread is reduced. Movement restrictions have been put in place at the affected premises and the cow will be humanely culled to reduce the risk of onward disease transmission.
A 10km temporary control zone (TCZ) has been put in place surrounding the infected premises which will restrict movements of susceptible animals except under licence.
Bluetongue does not affect public health or food safety. The virus is transmitted by midge bites and affects cows, goats, sheep and other camelids such as llamas. The midges are most active between April and November and not all susceptible animals show immediate, or any, signs of contracting the virus. The impacts on susceptible animals can vary greatly – some show no symptoms 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.
Strict rules on the movement of livestock from regions affected by bluetongue are already in place and farmers are reminded that animals imported from these regions must be accompanied by the relevant paperwork to clearly show they meet certain conditions designed to reduce disease risk, such as correct vaccination.
Initial tracings have not identified any connection to Wales from this case. However, we urge keepers to remain vigilant for signs of bluetongue virus and to report any suspicion of notifiable disease immediately.