UK farmers, particularly in the South West, have been issued a warning as the bluetongue restriction zone has been widened. This follows the detection of cases beyond the existing restricted area, including new instances in Cheshire and Cumbria.
Bluetongue is a notifiable disease that results from an infection with the bluetongue virus, which is predominantly transmitted by biting midges. The government has noted that the virus impacts sheep, cattle, and other ruminants such as deer and goats, as well as camelids like llamas and alpacas.
Sheep are more prone to exhibit noticeable symptoms of bluetongue compared to cattle when infected.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) along with the Animal Health and Plant Agency have extended the restriction zone after identifying a case in Dorset. The expanded zone now includes parts of Dorset, additional areas of Wiltshire, segments of Somerset, and some regions of East Devon.
According to the government's statement: "The total number of BTV-3 cases in Great Britain for the 2024 to 2025 vector season is 212 (210 in England and 2 (high risk moves) in Wales). The total number of BTV-12 cases in Great Britain for the 2024 to 2025 vector season is 1 (in England)."
The expansion of the restricted zone took effect on February 14, subsequent to the discovery of cases in cattle within Dorset. The implementation of this restricted zone forms part of the government's winter surveillance efforts and aligns with their strategy to control and decelerate the spread of the disease, reports the Liverpool Echo.
The UK is currently in a seasonally vector low period, indicating that the risk of bluetongue transmission is now very low. However, farmers are still required to obtain a licence to move animals or germinal products out of a restricted zone, arrange for a pre-movement test for all animals moving out of the restricted zone (unless they're destined for slaughter), and apply for a licence to freeze germinal products within restricted zones.
There have been 16 cases of BTV-3 detected in premises now located outside the current restricted zone. These premises are situated in Bath, North East Somerset (BANES), Somerset, Shropshire, Cheshire, Cumbria, Anglesey, Gwynedd, North Yorkshire, and Cornwall.
The animals were transported to these premises from areas where the disease is now known to be circulating, but the moves occurred before bluetongue restrictions were implemented.
If you suspect bluetongue, it's crucial to report it immediately by calling 03000 200 301 in England, 03003 038 268 in Wales, or your local Field Services Office in Scotland.