Bluetongue detected in Suffolk
| This news story was last substantively updated on 25 September 2007. For later news on this story please see Defra's news story index and/or our Bluetongue website pages. |
Update 16:30 25 September
Defra has confirmed that a third animal has tested positive for Bluetongue. This is on a premises near Lowestoft.
In the light of this, it has been agreed that it would not be appropriate to allow farm to farm movements in the area surrounding the premises from 3.30pm today. This area is Norfolk and Suffolk.
Essex is also considered to be at risk of Bluetongue, but as it is also in the Foot and Mouth Disease Risk Area, farm-to-farm movements would not be permitted in any case.
At this stage, there is not sufficient evidence to confirm an active outbreak of Bluetongue by the internationally-recognised definition. It cannot yet be demonstrated that the disease is circulating or alternatively is the result of a single incursion of infected midges from abroad.
Update 17:50 24 September
A second cow has tested positive for Bluetongue on the same farm in Baylham, Suffolk, where the disease was first discovered on 22 September. This is not sufficient evidence to confirm an outbreak of Bluetongue as it cannot yet be demonstrated that the disease is circulating between the local animal and midge populations.
The cow was culled today as it may have posed a threat to the other animals on the premises. This is because it could have potentially provided a source of infection for the local midge population. We continue to test the remaining animals on the premises and surrounding area.
It remains essential for animal keepers to practice the highest standards of biosecurity, remain vigilant for disease and report any suspicions immediately. Livestock owners should examine their livestock twice a day.
Update 17:15 24 September
Defra has identified, from 3.30pm Tuesday 25 September, a Bluetongue Temporary Area while surveillance is carried out to determine whether the virus is circulating. This area encompasses Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Northamptonshire and Bedfordshire, and covers those additional areas which could be included in any further movement controls should an outbreak of Bluetongue be confirmed.
Update 12:00 23 September
The strain of Bluetongue virus detected in one cow near Ipswich, Suffolk has been identified as Serotype 8. This is the strain found in Belgium, France Germany, Luxembourg and Netherlands since August 2006.
This is not a confirmed outbreak unless further investigation demonstrates that disease is circulating, and this could take days or weeks to assess. The premises where Bluetongue was detected remains under restrictions, and epidemiological investigations are being carried out to assess the situation.
Debby Reynolds, Chief Veterinary Officer, said:
“It remains vitally important that farmers maintain vigilance for this disease and report any suspect cases, particularly as clinical signs may be similar to Foot and Mouth disease. I would like to thank the owner, Animal Health and the Institute for Animal Health for their rapid response in helping to detect Bluetongue in this single animal.”
Information at 19:30 22 September
Laboratory tests have detected the presence of Bluetongue in one cow on a premises near Ipswich, Suffolk. Bluetongue is a very different infection to Foot and Mouth Disease and the strategy to control it is therefore also different. This is not a confirmed outbreak unless further investigation demonstrates that disease is circulating.
Bluetongue is a disease of animals. It does not affect humans. This is a disease of ruminants, including sheep, cattle, deer, camelids and goats. It is transmitted by the movement of midges or by movements of infected animals if they are subsequently bitten by midges.
The premises where Bluetongue has been found is under restrictions. The one infected animal will be culled and epidemiological investigations are being carried out to assess the situation.
This is the first time Bluetongue virus has been recorded in the UK.
Defra has been working in close partnership with the industry to develop the Bluetongue Control Strategy and has jointly been involved in raising awareness of this disease.
The Health Protection Agency advise that people who have visited the affected premises do not need to be concerned that there is any risk to their health.
Further information
See www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/bluetongue/index.htm
Page last modified: 25 September 2007 16:30
Page published: 22 September 2007 19:30