Fourth Case Of Bluetongue In Britain
UK - Agricultural ministers are urging the European Commission to approve a vaccination against the Bluetongue virus, which is spreading across Europe.
28 September 2007
1 minute read
The outbreak has struck more than 9000 animals in Germany, the Netherlands, France, Luxembourg and Belgium, and a temporary control area has been delared in Britain, where four cases have been confirmed.
A vaccine may be available for sheep and cattle by early next year.
Britain's fourth case occurred in a Holstein cow on a farm near Ipswich, Suffolk, about 80km from the other three cases on a rare breeds farm in Baylham.
The control zone covers Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Bedfordshire, also Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk where additional controls apply.
Bluetongue is a similar midge-borne disease to African Horse Sickness, both of which have been spreading north for the last 20 years, possibly because of global warming.
The same species of midge can spread both diseases. Infected midges can potentially be blown for more than 100km by the wind and transported long distances in farm vehicles, making containment difficult.
Further Reading
 |
- Go to our previous news item on this story by clicking here. |
 |
- Find out more information on bluetongue disease by clicking here. |
