Stirling-bound cattle found to have bluetongue virus

Farmers were this week warned to be vigilant after cattle due to be delivered to a farm in Stirling were found to have a notifiable disease.

The cattle were among a consignment from an assembly centre in France and tested positive for bluetongue virus BTV-8.

The animals entered the UK earlier this month on their way to two farms in England, at Preston and Kendal, plus two in Scotland, in Stirling and Dumfries.

Routine tests detected the virus which does not pose a threat to human health but can have a negative impact on animal health, for example by causing infertility or reduced milk yields.

All of the animals to test positive for the virus or are at high risk of being infected will be humanely culled on farm and restrictions have been placed on each of the four farms.

British Veterinary Association, British Cattle Veterinary Association, Sheep Veterinary Society and Goat Veterinary Society have following the discovery of the virus stressed the importance of careful animal sourcing.

BVA senior vice-president Gudrun Ravetz said: “It is reassuring that the systems we have in place for post-movement testing have ensured the disease has been detected quickly, and that action has been taken.

“However, it is a grave and timely reminder to all livestock keepers of the importance of responsible sourcing of animals, and of fully understanding the potential disease risks of importing animals from areas where disease is known to be circulating.

“Farmers should always consult their local vet and act within their farm health plan when sourcing new animals.

“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 to the threat of disease spread.

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

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease and any suspicions must be reported immediately to the Animal PLant Health Agency regional field services offices in Scotland (www.gov.uk/ government/organisations/animal-and-planthealth-agency/about/ access-and-opening#field-services-officesscotland). For further advice on blue tongue, contact the Defra Helpline on 03459 335577.