Farmers warned bluetongue disease likely to arrive in England this year
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Version 0 of 1. Bluetongue virus, a potentially fatal disease in sheep and cattle, is very likely to arrive in the England in 2016, according to the government’s Animal and Plant Health Agency. The virus, which does not affect humans or food, flared up in France in 2015 and the scientists estimate there is an 80% chance that the biting midges that transmit the disease will be blown across the channel this summer. Farms in southern England suffered the first ever outbreak in 2007 but the virus was quickly eradicated after a vaccination campaign. Originally from sub-Saharan Africa, the virus can, in fatal cases, cause swelling in animals that restricts the flow of blood to the tongue, leaving it blue. In most cases, livestock suffer fevers and respiratory, eye and foot problems. Most animals survive but suffer weight loss, miscarriages and birth defects, and milk production can be reduced. Sheep are most vulnerable and there is no treatment. The virus thrives in warm weather and infections in France are expected to to ramp up in April and May, move northwards to the coast and be blown across channel. The virus is not transmitted from animal to animal, so culling has little effect in controlling the disease but limits are placed on moving animals from outbreak areas. Bluetongue virus is currently well-established in France, where there is a shortage of vaccine. In 2007, 83,000 French farms were affected before the virus was brought under control, compared to only 100 farms in England. It is not known whether the latest outbreak in France stems from the virus surviving in wild animals, such as deer, or being reintroduced from elsewhere. There is a rapid, accurate test and an effective vaccine for the strain of bluetongue virus currently in France. British farmers will have to make a commercial decision on whether to vaccinate their livestock. Professor John Blackwell, from the British Veterinary Association, said: “We strongly encourage all farmers to closely monitor their stock for bluetongue symptoms – particularly sheep which are most susceptible to the disease – including eye and nasal discharge, drooling, swelling around the head or mouth, lethargy and lameness.” Catherine McLaughlin, the National Farmers Union’s chief adviser on animal health and welfare, said: “We are taking the threat of bluetongue seriously. Vaccine is effective and we recommend farmers have a conversation with their veterinary surgeon to inform their decision based on their business risk.” In 2012, Schmallenberg virus, also spread by biting midges and causing miscarriages, was blown across the channel and infected over 250 farms in the UK. Relatively few cases have been seen since and a vaccine is now available. |