Call for vigilance despite all-clear over bluetongue
Despite widespread relief that tests showed that a bull imported on to a farm in central Scotland was disease-free, the discovery of the bluetongue virus in a consignment of cattle brought into the UK from France served as a “grave and timely reminder” of the dangers of importing stock from areas where the disease is circulating.
Withrestrictionsremaining in place on farms in Dumfries and south of the Border, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) said that it was crucial that farmers fully understood the potential disease risks of importing animals from regions affected by this and other diseases.
“Farmers should always consult their local vet and act within their farm health plan when sourcing new animals,” said the BVA’S Gudrun Ravetz.
“Bluetongue virus is spread via infected midges and with the mild weather we have been experiencing in the UK this autumn it is essential that farmers, vets and government agencies remain vigilant
0 Britain’s last outbreak of bluetongue was ten years ago to the threat of disease spread.”
Scotland’s chief veterinary officer, Sheila Voas said that action had been taken to ensure there was no spread of the disease, including movement restrictions at affected premises, targeted surveillance and the likely slaughter of animals if necessary – but she too warned producers to remain vigilant for signs of the disease.
These include eye and nasal discharge, drooling, swelling around the head or mouth, lethargy and lameness.
While the disease does not pose a threat to human health, it can have a negative impact on animal health, for example by causing infertility or reduced milk yields.
Great Britain is currently officially bluetongue free, with the last outbreak having taken place in the south of England in 2007. Compensation is not paid on any imported animals culled under the Trade in Animals and Related Products regulations.
Reminding producers that the disease was notifiable, NFU Scotland president Andrew Mccornick said: “The risks presented by importing animals from affected areas, even when all rules are believed to have been followed, are now all too apparent. As a result, Scottish livestock keepers must 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.”