New bluetongue cases confirmed in UK temporary control zone
Another four cases were confirmed
28 November 2023
2 minute read
By: Following active surveillance within the 10-km temporary control zone (TCZ), a further four cases of bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) have been identified in cattle on two UK additional farms, according to a press release from Ruminant Health & Welfare.
“It’s clear the surveillance is working,” said Joseph Henry, chair of the Ruminant Health & Welfare (RH&W) bluetongue working group and president of the Sheep Veterinary Society.
“All of these additional confirmed cases are from cattle with no clinical signs, all of which are on farm premises within the 10km TCZ that surrounds the first case found near Canterbury, Kent on 11 November – they have all been culled to reduce any risk of onward transmission," he added. “So far, there is no evidence of circulating virus in the UK midge population and with the overall temperature dropping, the risk of midge disease transmission is reducing."
“The TCZ remains in place with on-going surveillance on all livestock, so please ensure your animals are registered – it’s never too late to register your stock officially," said Henry. “There is also on-going surveillance in areas outside the TCZ, as part of the routine bluetongue monitoring strategy. This was how the original case was detected."
Legislation remains in place around any movement of animals into and out of the control zone.
“It remains the case that farmers need to beware when buying animals in, take action to report any signs, and always, remain vigilant,” Henry reiterated.
