October 8, 2007

UK confirms 25 farms infected with bluetongue disease

The UK's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) confirmed Friday (October 5) a total of 25 premises are infected with Bluetongue disease.

All of the cases are within the current Bluetongue control zone in eastern England.

The 25 cases are based on surveillance work conducted as of 1600 GMT Thursday around the first infected location.

"Current evidence gives a degree of confidence that the disease is currently contained within the Control Zone," said UK Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer Fred Landeg.

However Landeg warned it is "still early days" and he strongly urged farmers to remain vigilant in watching for signs of the disease to see if it is spreading.

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.