Bluetongue: advice to importers

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) has introduced measures to minimise the risk of spread of the Bluetongue virus to Northern Ireland from continental Europe and is updating its advice to importers.

Following a change to European legislation, movements of susceptible animals either from Bluetongue (BT) free areas through, or from BT restricted zones, to disease free areas are allowed without prior authorisation from the country of destination. Whilst DARD will continue to prohibit the imports of animals directly from restricted zones, it can no longer prohibit imports from free countries which transit BT restricted zones.

DARD is taking a precautionary approach in order to minimise any potential risk to NI. The department will continue to carry out post-import testing of cattle and sheep imported from continental Europe. As an additional measure, imported susceptible animals will be restricted and isolated on their first holding of destination until the post import tests have been completed and negative test results have been confirmed.

DARD is taking this opportunity to remind importers considering sourcing stock from mainland Europe and in particular those countries where Bluetongue is present:

• to think very carefully before importing, i.e. whether you need to import,
• to consider completing a pre-import test as a further precaution,
• to ensure all reasonable steps are taken to minimise the risk of infection;
• of their obligation to notify the local DVO, within the next working day, that the animal(s) has been imported into Northern Ireland.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. DARD is continuing to work in partnership with key NI stakeholders, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Department of Agriculture and Food in Dublin to develop a Bluetongue Control Strategy in the event of an outbreak in the British Isles.
2. DARD has written to importers to highlight the potential risks of importing animals from countries where BT is present. An information leaflet has also been issued to importers and Private Veterinary Practitioners
3. The Bluetongue leaflet and a Question and Answer guide is available on the DARD website at: http://www.dardni.gov.uk/index/animal-health/animal-diseases/blue-tongue
4. Bluetongue is an insect-borne viral disease to which all species of ruminants are susceptible, although sheep are most severely affected. However, cattle are the main mammalian reservoir of the virus and are very important in the epidemiology of the disease. It is characterised by changes to the mucous linings of the mouth and nose and the coronary band of the foot. Bluetongue is declared to be present in a country when it is confirmed by laboratory tests that the Bluetongue virus (BTV) is circulating in the animal population.
5. Since August 2006 there have been widespread outbreaks of Bluetongue in Northern Europe - in the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Western Germany and Northern France. Bluetongue has been found within the EU before, but only in the warmer Mediterranean countries (for example Spain, Portugal and Italy).
6. Bluetongue has never been recorded in the UK.
7. Anyone who knows or suspects that any animal or carcase in his possession, under his charge or being examined or inspected by him is infected with Bluetongue is required under the Bluetongue Order (NI) 2003 to notify the Divisional Veterinary Office.
8. Council Directive 2000/75/EC lays down the specific measures for control of Bluetongue. This is transposed in Northern Ireland legislation in the Bluetongue (Northern Ireland) Order 2003.
9. All media enquiries to DARD Press Office, tel: 028 9052 4619.