Bluetongue confirmed in UK cattle

Vets have been urged to be extra vigilant following the detection of bluetongue virus in cattle imported to the UK from France. Post-import tests picked up the BTV-8 strain in cattle brought in from an assembly centre in an area of France, where multiple cases have been confirmed since September this year. A total of 32 animals entered the country on October 10 destined for two farms in England (Preston and Kendal) and two in Scotland (Dumfries and Stirling). Routine post-movement tests picked up the disease in a number of the animals and restrictions have been placed on all four farms. All of the animals that tested positive or are at high risk of being infected will be humanely culled on farm. Veterinary authorities will maintain movement restrictions until testing rules out spread of the virus via local midges. A spokesperson for Defra told Veterinary Record that the...
Source: Veterinary Record - Category: Veterinary Research Tags: News section Source Type: research