October 1, 2007

UK government says bluetongue virus circulating in country

UK Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer Fred Landeg said Friday (September 28) tests had confirmed that bluetongue disease was circulating in the country.

Speaking at a news conference in London, Landeg said there would be no culling of infected animals but that a 150-kilometre protection zone would be set up in East Anglia in eastern England.

Bluetongue is transmitted by the movement of midges or by movements of infected animals if they are subsequently bitten by midges. It is a disease of ruminant animals, including sheep, cattle, deer, camelids and goats. It doesn't affect humans.