Warning sounded after imports confirmed to have bluetongue
A recent importation of cattle from France into Yorkshire has set the animal health alarm bells ringing after two of the imported animals were confirmed to have bluetongue virus which is transmitted by midges and which can infect all ruminants, causing death in severe cases.
NFU Scotland’s animal health and welfare policy manager, Penny Middleton, said: “For the second year in a row, cattle imported from France to the UK have tested positive for bluetongue.”
She described it as a real concern for Scottish livestock keepers and said it underlined the continued need for vigilance, responsible sourcing and appropriate support and resources being directed to the veterinary surveillance system so that it could monitor and stamp out the disease as soon as possible.
“While the bluetongue virus has been spreading in French livestock for some time, it was always unlikely that midge-borne infection would reach Scotland this year and that importation continues to present the greatest risk,” she said.
“Surveillance systems south of the Border have proven robust but the reality is that infected animals arrived in Yorkshire.”
She urged all Scottish livestock keepers to avoid bluetongue-infected areas when sourcing stock and for them to be aware of the symptoms of the disease – including reduced milk yield, sickness and reduced reproductive performance. Bluetongue is a notifiable disease and any suspected cases must be reported immediately to the local animal plant health office.
Her comments were echoed by the British Veterinary Association’s senior vice-president, John Fishwick, who said that the incident should act as a reminder to farmers, vets and government agencies to remain vigilant to the threat of disease spread.
“All livestock keepers should be reminded of the vital importance of responsible sourcing of animals, and of fully understanding the potential disease risks of importing from areas where disease is known to be circulating,” said Fishwick.
“Farmers should always consult their vet and act within their farm health plan when sourcing new animals. They should also discuss options such as vaccination as one of the main methods of disease control.”