ITR-New Strain Of 'Blue Tongue' Found-Pip Reynolds ITR USA for InTouchRadio.net UK GLOBAL

Pip Reynolds InTouchRadio.net USA for InTouchRadio.net UK GLOBAL

New Strain Of 'Blue Tongue' Found

AFP/File – A police car blocks the entrance to a road leading to a farm where a cow infected with Bluetongue disease …

LONDON (AFP) – Authorities said Tuesday they have found a new strain of the livestock disease bluetongue in imported cattle, but said there is no evidence that it has spread beyond the affected premises.

Five animals near Blackpool tested positive for the BTV1 type of the disease, the environment and farming ministry (Defra) said. They have been killed and the premises sealed off.

Another animal from the same consignment also tested positive for bluetongue, but it was unclear what strain. It too has been killed.

The BTV8 strain of bluetongue has already been found in Britain, but chief veterinary officer Nigel Gibbens said: "This is the first case of BTV1 infected animals being imported into the UK.

"Taking into account the epidemiological evidence and the consideration of the risk represented to British livestock, I have taken the decision to cull these animals."

The cattle came from an area of southwest France where the movement of livestock is controlled because of bluetongue.

Defra said the import complied with European Union rules that cattle should not be moved until 60 days after being vaccinated.

"There is no evidence that BTV1 is circulating in the UK and no additional control zones have been declared," it added.

The disease, which affects ruminants such as cows and sheep but not pigs or horses, is difficult to control once it takes hold. It is not a risk to humans, but in animals it causes high fevers, mouth ulcers and swollen heads.

It has become an increasing problem in Europe since the first outbreak of the BTV8 strain, for which there is no vaccination, in northern Europe in 2006.

In the past, bluetongue occurred further south in Spain and Italy as well as north Africa, and some experts blame climate change for its northward progress.

Michael Dixon Founder of InTouchRadio.net

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