Press Release - Bluetongue dangers mount as more imported stock tests positive

Bluetongue dangers mount as more imported stock tests positive.

Active bluetongue virus is circulating throughout Europe and importers are exposing the UK’s cattle and sheep sectors to huge dangers unless they are certain the livestock they are bringing in are correctly vaccinated.

This warning from the National Beef Association comes after confirmation that 19 cattle imported into Durham have tested positive for BTV – which could mean that parts of the extreme south of Scotland will be included in the new surveillance zone.

And news that other cattle being delivered to new owners in Cumbria and Scotland were imported from an area in southern France where the BTV1 virus is circulating has rung alarm bells too.

“There is no vaccine available in the UK to protect stock from BTVI so the cattle from France have been tested while still on the lorry,” said NBA chairman, Christopher Thomas-Everard.

“Each of these incidents is a sharp reminder that importers should not accept word of mouth affirmation from suppliers that the animals carry no bluetongue risk and protect their reputations, and their own cattle, by insisting on a vaccination certificate that has been signed by a vet.”

“Importers should also be aware of the even greater risk of bringing in cattle from southern France with BTV1.  This variant of the virus, against which the UK currently has no available protection, is expanding northwards in France.”

“In the case of variant BTV8 there is no any guarantee that this is not already circulating within Great Britain because testing concentrates exclusively on imports.”

“In these circumstances the only form of protection for stock owners is to vaccinate all their vulnerable stock with BTV8 and pray that BTV1 is not imported.”

“The first of last year’s bluetongue cases (BTV8) was not confirmed in Britain until late September and there is a huge danger that many livestock farmers have been lulled into complacency, and delayed vaccination, because new disease has still to be reported here in 2008.”

“This latest news from Defra raises the levels of urgency. Farmers who want to protect unvaccinated animals should begin injecting at once. There should be no delay because no one has any idea yet, where the virus is and when it will emerge,” Mr Thomas-Everard added.

For more information please contact:

Christopher Thomas-Everard, NBA chairman.   Tel. 01398 324200