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Bluetongue spreads to Suffolk for first time in 6 months

Norwich Livestock Market has confirmed sheep sales will be cancelled on Saturday (August 31) due to recent cases of bluetongue

clock • 3 min read
Bluetongue spreads to Suffolk for first time in 6 months

Bluetongue cases have now been identified in East Suffolk for the first time since February.

APHA confirmed three cases had been reported in Norfolk and East Suffolk today (August 29).

The Government body said all three animals will be culled and a 20km Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) has been extended around the affected farms after a case had been recorded on Monday (August 26).

READ NOW: First bluetongue case recorded in UK since February

All the cases so far this week have been in sheep.

Norwich Livestock Market has confirmed its sheep sales will be cancelled on Saturday (August 31) due to the recent reported cases of bluetongue.

However, the livestock market said cattle sales will still go ahead but reminded farmers to fill out appropriate forms when moving livestock.

Movement restrictions in the TCZ apply to all ruminants and camelids, according to APHA.

At least 130 cases of bluetongue have now been reported in Norfolk, Kent and Suffolk since November 2023.

And since May, there have been 4,000 cases of bluetongue reported across the continent in Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands.

The UK's Deputy-Chief Veterinary Officer Ele Brown said the Government was going to undertake surveillance to determine whether the virus is circulating in the UK. 

But Ms Brown added there is a 'high risk' the disease could spread in the UK due to current temperatures and midge activity.  

Dr Mandy Nevel, AHDB'S head of animal health and welfare, said can have a 'devastating impact' on livestock.

She also said AHDB will continue to liaise closely with the Government and the wider industry to monitor the evolving situation including vaccine development and the 'implications' for the GB livestock sectors.

Rachael Tarlinton, associate professor in Veterinary Virology at the University of Nottingham, said the disease was 'very serious' for owners of ruminants in the UK as the industry 'braces' itself for potentially more cases. 

Brian Dooher, the Chief Veterinary Officer for Northern Ireland, has also asked farmers to remain vigilant and to source animals responsibly in response to recent cases of the virus.

"This confirmation in England is a stark reminder of the threat bluetongue presents to Northern Ireland," Mr Dooher added.

"While this finding in Norfolk is disappointing it is not unexpected giving the rising level of disease across several countries in Europe.

"Bluetongue does not affect human health or food safety however an incursion to Northern Ireland would have a significant impact on livestock and the rural economy.

"I would like to remind all farmers of the importance of sourcing animals responsibly and ask that they maintain vigilance for signs of the disease reporting any suspicions to Daera immediately."

Sara Pedersen, a farm vet from the Vale of Glamorgan in Wales, said: "It is likely we will continue to see further cases and widening of the TCZ.

"How fast this happens and the impact of bluetongue across the industry is dependent on these early days.

"Reducing spread now is critical." 

Norwich County Council's Trading Standards and Suffolk Trading Standards told farmers free testing remains available for animals moving from the highest risk counties elsewhere in Great Britain or to be sold at a market to buyers from outside the high-risk counties.

Suspicion of bluetongue in animals in England must be reported to the APHA on 03000200301. 

READ NOW: Shrinking cattle supply threatens to 'destabilise' Welsh beef industry

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