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NEWS RELEASE

Ref: 271/07
Date: 23 August 2007

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Revised Bluetongue Control Strategy published

Defra has today published a revised Bluetongue Disease Control Strategy for the UK. 

Bluetongue has re-emerged this year in the Northern European countries affected during 2006 (Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, parts of Western Germany and areas of Northern France).   On the basis of these developments, there is a low but increased risk of spread to the UK from the affected areas.

Defra and the Devolved Governments have been working in partnership with industry to review Bluetongue control measures and share decision-making to agree this control strategy, which builds on the principles of responsibility and cost sharing. 

The plans are set out in a Bluetongue Control Strategy document and, in line with other exotic diseases, includes rigorous measures to keep disease out of the UK and contain any outbreaks. 

Bluetongue differs from other diseases in terms of its impact and the way it spreads, and the document reflects this with more proportionate measures taking account of the potential need to respond appropriately if it were to become widespread.

Chief Veterinary Officer, Debby Reynolds said:

“We have been reviewing our Bluetongue controls to ensure they address new risks proportionately and effectively, and reflects the emerging evidence from the outbreaks in Northern Europe in the last 12 months. 

“We have worked in partnership with industry, sharing all available information on the disease with a working group of stakeholders to ensure that we reach a shared understanding of risks, roles, and responsibilities.

“The latest disease situation in Northern Europe highlights the importance of preparedness for this disease.  While the risk to the U.K. is still low, it is clearly heightened.  With the presence of disease in Northern Europe, it is important that animal keepers are vigilant, alert to signs of disease and that they report any suspicion to Animal Health immediately.”

The Industry working group said:

“The process of reviewing the control measures has, we believe, clearly demonstrated the need for government and industry to work in partnership on disease control strategy.  

“We are convinced that as a result of this work we will have better arrangements and while there is still more to do, particularly in securing changes to the EU legislation, the UK livestock industry is happy to support this revised Control Strategy.”

Bluetongue has no public health implications and does not affect humans.  The Bluetongue Disease Control Strategy 2007 can be viewed at:  www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/bluetongue/index.htm

Notes to editors

  1. Bluetongue was found in the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, in parts of Western Germany and in areas in Northern France during Summer 2006.  Cases have since been confirmed in 2007 in these countries (see link to map below).

    2. www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/bluetongue/index.htm

  2. The virus is spread by midges which transfer the virus from animal to animal by biting them.  It has never occurred in the UK.
  3. Bluetongue affects all ruminants, such as cattle, goats, deer and sheep.  Clinical signs can vary by species – although symptoms are generally more severe in sheep, cattle can also show signs of disease (and can act as a reservoir for disease to keep infection circulating). It is not a zoonosis and cannot infect humans.
  4. Clinical signs in sheep may include: fever; swelling of the head and neck; inflammation and ulceration of the mucous membrane of the mouth, nose and eyelids; lameness; muscle degeneration and leaking of blood or serum from blood vessels into the surrounding tissues; haemorrhages in the skin and other tissues; respiratory signs such as froth in the lungs and an inability to swallow; and a high mortality rate (in some cases sudden death without showing classical symptoms).  Sometimes, although it is rare with BTV8, there may be some discolouration and swelling of the tongue.
  5. Although Bluetongue usually causes no apparent illness in cattle or goats, cattle are displaying clinical signs during the current outbreak of BTV8 in Western Europe. These have included nasal discharge, swelling and ulceration of the mouth and swollen teats.
  6. Virus transmission between animals occurs via an insect vector (midges of Culicoides species), when a midge bites an infected animal and passes the infection to an uninfected naive animal.  Transmission of the virus during an outbreak therefore depends on continuing cycles of infection between infected animals and vector insects. Bluetongue cannot be naturally transmitted directly between animals. 
  7. The Industry working group is comprised of senior individuals from the following organisations:

    8. British Cattle Veterinary Society
    British Meat Processors Association
    National Beef Association
    National Farmers Union
    National Sheep Association
    Livestock Auctioneers Association
    Sheep Veterinary Society

End

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Page published: 23 August 2007

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs