Bluetongue: advice to herd and flock keepers

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) is updating its advice to herd and flock keepers.

Bluetongue is a notifiable insect-borne viral disease that affects all ruminants, such as cattle, goats, deer and, in particular, sheep. It does not affect humans. It is spread only by infected biting midges.

Parts of Northern Europe experienced a Bluetongue epidemic during 2006. If disease develops again this year, this is a potential risk to the UK.

DARD is continuing to monitor closely the situation in Northern Europe and has taken the following steps to reduce the risk of Bluetongue reaching Northern Ireland.

• All imports of ruminants are banned from the Bluetongue infected areas of Northern Europe.
• As a precautionary measure, all imported ruminants from any country (except GB and ROI) are subject to post-import testing for Bluetongue on arrival here.

The Chief Veterinary Officer said: “Our emphasis must be on keeping Bluetongue out of Northern Ireland. However, if it reaches Northern Ireland it will be vital to deal with it quickly before it can spread. I am asking all keepers to be vigilant in checking their stock for signs of disease, and if you suspect disease to report it immediately to your local Divisional Veterinary Office.”

In sheep the clinical signs include:

• Fever
• Swelling of the head and neck
• Lameness
• Mouth ulcerations
• Drooling
• Haemorrhages in the skin and other tissues
• Respiratory problems
• High mortality rate
• Discoloration and swelling of the tongue (rare)

In cattle:

Although Bluetongue usually causes no apparent illness in cattle or goats, cattle are displaying clinical signs in the Northern European outbreak. These include:

• Nasal discharge
• Swelling and ulceration of the mouth
• Swollen teats
• Tiredness

In order to help protect the industry in Northern Ireland from this disease, anyone considering sourcing stock from mainland Europe, and in particular those countries where Bluetongue is present, is advised to:

• Think very carefully before importing, i.e. do you really need to import.
• Complete a pre-import test as a further precaution.

DARD is working in partnership with key Northern Ireland stakeholders to develop further Bluetongue advice for NI keepers. Advertisements will be appearing in the local farming press over the coming weeks.

Notes to Editors:

1. A Question and Answer guide to Bluetongue is available on the DARD website
2. 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.
3. 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).
4. Bluetongue has never been recorded in the UK.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. All media enquiries to DARD Press Office, Tel: 028 9052 4619.