January 4, 2024

UK chief veterinary officer urges vigilance as new bluetongue cases emerge

The chief veterinary officer of the United Kingdom is urging farmers to maintain vigilance as five new cases of bluetongue serotype 3 have been confirmed, bringing the total number to 22 since the initial outbreak last month, South West Farmer reported.

Despite the rise in cases, the UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) said that there is currently no evidence that the virus is circulating widely.

The initial outbreak in November led to the establishment of a wide temporary control zone (TCZ) in Kent, marking the UK's first case of bluetongue since 2007. Last week, a new case surfaced in sheep in Norfolk, prompting additional concerns.

In a recent update, Defra said that following active surveillance in the north-east Kent TCZ, a further 3 cases of bluetongue in cattle have been identified in the Sandwich Bay area from the same herd as the five positive cases confirmed on December 15, 2023.

Defra also said all animals will be humanely culled to minimise the risk of onward transmission.

The TCZ is not being extended, and movement restrictions continue to apply to cattle, sheep, and other ruminants in the zone. This brings the total number of cases to 22 on 8 different holdings.

-      South West Farmer