Written by Francess McDonnell from Agriland
Investigations are continuing in Wales after bluetongue was detected in three sheep moved to Gwynedd from the east of England.
The Welsh Government has said “further investigations” are taking place on the farm where bluetongue was detected to determine whether additional controls are needed.
Welsh farmers have also been urged to be “vigilant for the disease and practice safe sourcing of livestock”.
The deputy chief veterinary officer for Wales, Gavin Watkins, said that the cases identified in Gwynedd are from animals “bought into Wales”.
“It is important to talk to your vet, and practice safe-sourcing of livestock to protect our herds and flocks and keep any further disease out of Wales,” he added.
Watkins also called on all farmers and others who keep ruminants and camelids “to be vigilant for the signs of bluetongue and to report any suspect cases to APHA immediately”.
“We have been raising awareness of the disease with vets and industry and appreciate their help in communicating the risks to animal keepers in Wales,” he said.
Last week the UK Government introduced additional measures to “mitigate” the spread of the bluetongue virus (BTV-3) including extending the restriction zone.
Because further cases were identified close to the edge of the restricted zones (RZs) two previous RZs have now been merged and extended to create one large zone in the east of England, running from East Riding in Yorkshire to Kent.
In addition to this East Riding and Lincolnshire have also been designated “high-risk counties” which means that farmers can vaccinate their animals with the three unauthorised bluetongue (BTV-3) vaccines.
The new extended RZ covers all of Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Greater London, Surrey and West Sussex.
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The Welsh Government has said “further investigations” are taking place on the farm where bluetongue was detected to determine whether additional controls are needed.
Welsh farmers have also been urged to be “vigilant for the disease and practice safe sourcing of livestock”.
Bluetongue
The deputy chief veterinary officer for Wales, Gavin Watkins, said that the cases identified in Gwynedd are from animals “bought into Wales”.
“It is important to talk to your vet, and practice safe-sourcing of livestock to protect our herds and flocks and keep any further disease out of Wales,” he added.
Watkins also called on all farmers and others who keep ruminants and camelids “to be vigilant for the signs of bluetongue and to report any suspect cases to APHA immediately”.
“We have been raising awareness of the disease with vets and industry and appreciate their help in communicating the risks to animal keepers in Wales,” he said.
Last week the UK Government introduced additional measures to “mitigate” the spread of the bluetongue virus (BTV-3) including extending the restriction zone.
Because further cases were identified close to the edge of the restricted zones (RZs) two previous RZs have now been merged and extended to create one large zone in the east of England, running from East Riding in Yorkshire to Kent.
In addition to this East Riding and Lincolnshire have also been designated “high-risk counties” which means that farmers can vaccinate their animals with the three unauthorised bluetongue (BTV-3) vaccines.
The new extended RZ covers all of Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Greater London, Surrey and West Sussex.
Related Stories:
- https://www.agriland.ie/farming-news/3-new-bluetongue-cases-confirmed-in-england/
3 new bluetongue cases confirmed in England
UK Govt extends ‘restriction zone’ to halt spread of bluetongue
UK sanctions 3 new emergency bluetongue vaccines
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