Bluetongue - BVA Activities
Joint campaign Against Bluetongue
Practical guide and clinical paper (including images of diseased animals)
Key messages and media activity
The Situation
The first case of Bluetongue in the UK was detected on 22 September. Two futher cases have been identified, one in Middlesbrough and one in Worcester (20 December).
Defra has published the first epidemiology report into the Bluetongue outbreak, based on the situation up to 19 October. The report concludes that the infection was likely to have been initially introduced into Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex on the night of 4/5 August by windborne transmission of infected midges from continental Europe. The report also describes the generally low morbidity, mortality and prevalence rates in infected animals. The majority of infected premises have only one infected animal and the prevalence is generally low. On 29 October 2007 there were 60 confirmed premises affected by Bluetongue. The epidemiological report is also published in full at www.defra.gov.uk/bluetongue as is further information, including maps.
For up-to-date information on the the disease situation please visit the Defra website.
Vaccination strategy - European Commission conference
On 16 January 2008, the European Commission hosted a conference in Brussels to discuss the EU strategy for the use of vaccination against bluetongue. The conference was an opportunity to agree on a harmonised approach to bluetongue vaccination as a means of controlling the disease, taking particular account of the trade aspects. More information
BVA’s Statement on Bluetongue
BVA’s policy brief on Bluetongue
Bluetongue is already established in Europe and there are now real concerns that this serious disease could become prevalent in the UK. It has the potential to cause considerable animal suffering and further devastation to our livestock farming industry. Other than restricting the movement of animals there is limited scope to prevent transmission and spread of disease until an effective vaccine has been developed.
Farmers and vets must remain vigilant for signs of the disease; any suspicious clinical signs should be reported immediately.
In July three specialist divisions of BVA issued a joint statement urging livestock farmers to be vigilant and carefully consider the risk of infections when importing cattle into the UK.
Practical guide and clinical paper on Bluetongue
The 25 August issue of The Veterinary Record discussed Bluetongue in its editorial and carried a clinical paper entitled 'Clinical signs and pathology shown by British sheep and cattle infected with bluetongue virus serotype 8 derived from the 2006 outbreak in northern Europe'.
The June issue of In Practice carried a practical guide to Bluetongue in sheep and cattle which includes images of diseased animals.
Bluetongue images and similar symptoms which are not bluetongue
Key messages and media activity
Bluetongue - the challenge facing the farming industry (BVA news release) - Friday 14 February 2008