Post by Starchild on Sept 22, 2007 18:47:12 GMT
Outbreaks of bluetongue (serotype 8 ) have now been confirmed in Germany, Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Luxembourg in 2007. All cases are within the existing restriction zones of the affected countries. These outbreaks indicate that bluetongue virus has ‘overwintered’ successfully.
Map: Bluetongue BTV-8 in Europe, April to August 2007 (722 KB) (this is a large file size).
On the basis of these developments we consider that there is a low but increased risk of spread to the UK from the affected areas of Northern Europe. There is a low likelihood of virus introduction to the UK through legal trade in susceptible livestock from known affected areas (imports from bluetongue Restricted Zones are not permitted), or transiting restricted zones. Imported livestock are tested post-import. The likelihood of windborne infected insect vectors reaching the UK is difficult to predict, however, this likelihood will increase if the wind direction is from the affected areas to the UK.
Animal keepers should remain vigilant for the clinical signs of the disease in sheep and cattle, and as ever practice good biosecurity. Bluetongue is a notifiable disease and must be reported to your Division Veterinary Manager.
22 September 2007 - Laboratory tests have detected the presence of Bluetongue in one cow on a premises near Ipswich, Suffolk. This is not a confirmed outbreak unless further investigation demonstrates that disease is circulating. The premises is under restrictions. The one infected animal will be culled and epidemiological investigations are being carried out to assess the situation. A news release has been issued.
Defra
www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/bluetongue/index.htm#clinicalsigns
Map: Bluetongue BTV-8 in Europe, April to August 2007 (722 KB) (this is a large file size).
On the basis of these developments we consider that there is a low but increased risk of spread to the UK from the affected areas of Northern Europe. There is a low likelihood of virus introduction to the UK through legal trade in susceptible livestock from known affected areas (imports from bluetongue Restricted Zones are not permitted), or transiting restricted zones. Imported livestock are tested post-import. The likelihood of windborne infected insect vectors reaching the UK is difficult to predict, however, this likelihood will increase if the wind direction is from the affected areas to the UK.
Animal keepers should remain vigilant for the clinical signs of the disease in sheep and cattle, and as ever practice good biosecurity. Bluetongue is a notifiable disease and must be reported to your Division Veterinary Manager.
22 September 2007 - Laboratory tests have detected the presence of Bluetongue in one cow on a premises near Ipswich, Suffolk. This is not a confirmed outbreak unless further investigation demonstrates that disease is circulating. The premises is under restrictions. The one infected animal will be culled and epidemiological investigations are being carried out to assess the situation. A news release has been issued.
Defra
www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/bluetongue/index.htm#clinicalsigns
