Bull in bluetongue alert tests negative for virus

An imported bull at the centre of a bluetongue virus alert on a Stirling farm has tested negative for the disease.

No further action will be taken on the farm, but the threat still exists on a Dumfries unit, and all livestock producers have been reminded of the danger of importing stock from bluetongue-infected areas of France – even when they follow all the rules.

NFU Scotland president Andrew McCornick issued a statement calling on all producers to be vigilant and to source stock responsibly following the news that bluetongue virus had been discovered in a consignment of imported cattle.

He also called for appropriate support and resources to be directed to the veterinary surveillance system to monitor and stamp out the disease as soon as possible.

“BTV8 virus has been spreading in France for some time,” he said.

“It was unlikely that midge-borne infection would reach Scotland this year and that importation always presented the greatest risk.

“In that regard, our surveillance systems have proven robust but the reality is that infected animals arrived in the country.

“Bluetongue is a notifiable disease and I remind all Scottish livestock keepers to seek veterinary advice on the disease and that suspected cases must be reported immediately to the divisional veterinary manager at the local Animal Plant Health Office.”

Mr McCornick added that Scottish livestock keepers should now remind themselves of the symptoms of BTV-8 in cattle and sheep and keep a very close watch on their stock in the weeks ahead.

Signs of the disease include eye and nasal discharge, drooling, swelling around the head or mouth, lethargy and lameness.

BTV-8 does not pose a threat to human health, but can have a negative impact on animal health, by causing infertility or reduced milk yields.