INFORMATION BULLETIN
Date: 20 December 2007
Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London SW1P 3JR
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Bluetongue detected in imported animals
Bluetongue virus has been detected in 20 imported cows on a premises near Worcester which is within the current Bluetongue Surveillance Zone.
The animals originated from within a Protection Zone in the Netherlands, and were detected through Defra’s routine post-import testing carried out on all Bluetongue susceptible animals entering the UK.
The farm near Worcester has been placed under restrictions, and the animals will be culled as they potentially provide a source of infection for the local midge population, and therefore other animals.
Currently there is no evidence that virus is circulating in the area, therefore there will be no changes to the existing Bluetongue zones and no new zones will be established at this time. This decision will be kept under review pending a full epidemiological investigation being undertaken on the premises.
Fred Landeg, Acting Chief Veterinary Officer said,
“As with the case of Bluetongue found in an imported animal in Middlesbrough last week, this re-emphasises the importance of livestock keepers carefully considering the potential risks to UK industry as a whole from importing animals from Bluetongue Restricted Zones.”
Further information
Further information on the latest Bluetongue situation is available at: www.defra.gov.uk/bluetongue
Further information is available to farmers via the Defra helpline (0845 9 335577) and website: www.defra.gov.uk
Farmers without access to the internet can also call the Animal Health 24 hour recorded information line (0844 884 4600) for up-to-date news on the latest developments.
End
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Page published: 20 December 2007