Bluetongue Cases Confirmed at Two Cumbrian Farms
The first cases of bluetongue recorded in Cumbria during the current outbreak have been confirmed at two farms.
Animals at premises in the Carlisle and Millom areas tested positive for the virus. Farmers across the county are now being urged to check their livestock and speak to their vet about the risks.
Bluetongue can affect sheep, cattle, goats, deer, llamas and alpacas. It is mainly spread by biting midges and can cause serious illness or death in affected animals.
However, the disease does not infect people and poses no risk to food safety.
Farmers Urged to Remain Alert
Richard Pedley, the NFU’s Cumbria County Chair, said the disease was continuing to spread at an alarming rate.
He urged livestock farmers in the county to assess the risks and discuss the available protection with their farm vet.
The NFU has also welcomed efforts by vaccine manufacturers to increase supplies. Defra and the Veterinary Medicines Directorate are working with manufacturers to bring more doses into Great Britain as demand rises.
Three vaccines for bluetongue serotype 3, also known as BTV-3, have been authorised for use in Great Britain. Farmers who want to protect their animals have been advised to speak to their vet and place orders as soon as possible.
The Government says vaccination remains the most effective way to reduce the impact of the disease. However, it can take time for vaccinated animals to build immunity.
What Are the Signs of Bluetongue?
The symptoms can vary between animals. Sheep are often more likely than cattle to show clear signs of infection.
Farmers should look out for:
- Fever or unusual tiredness
- Swelling around the face, lips, tongue or neck
- Sores inside the mouth or around the nose
- Discharge from the eyes or nose
- Drooling
- Lameness or reluctance to stand
- Breathing difficulties
- A sudden reduction in milk production
- Abortion, stillbirths or birth defects
Some infected cattle may show few or no signs but can remain infectious for several weeks.
Recent warm and humid conditions have helped create a favourable environment for the midges that carry the virus. This is believed to have contributed to the rise in cases across Britain.
Cases Also Rising Across the Border
The Cumbrian cases follow several confirmed infections in Dumfries and Galloway. Cases have been identified around locations including Lockerbie, Creetown, Kirkcudbright and Castle Douglas.
A temporary control zone was introduced in south-west Scotland following the spread of the disease.
The whole of England is already covered by a bluetongue restricted zone. Livestock can still be moved within England without a specific licence or pre-movement test, provided keepers meet the conditions of the relevant general licence. Different rules can apply when animals are moved into Scotland or Wales. Government movement guidance
Suspected Cases Must Be Reported
Bluetongue is a notifiable animal disease. This means livestock keepers are legally required to report any suspected cases.
Anyone in England who believes an animal may have bluetongue should contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency immediately by calling 03000 200 301.
Farmers should not move animals displaying possible symptoms and should seek advice from their vet. Further details, including photographs of symptoms, are available through the official bluetongue guidance
