Farmers and Livestock owners warned over Bluetongue spread
Farmers a livestock keepers in Northumberland are being urged to be vigilant following the confirmation of Bluetongue case in the west of the county.
Northumberland County Council’s trading standards and animal health team says Bluetongue (BTV-3) is a strictly notifiable disease – with livestock keepers legally required to report any suspected clinical signs immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).
Bluetongue is a disease affecting ruminants such as sheep, cattle, goats, and alpacas.
It poses no risk to human health or food safety.
Clinical signs of Bluetongue can be similar to other notifiable diseases such as Foot and Mouth and need professional assessment.
Symptoms suggestive of Bluetongue include fever, drooling, mouth and tongue lesions, facial swelling, nasal discharge, lameness, reduced milk yield, abortion or stillbirths.
Northumberland County Council’s cabinet member for public safety, Cllr Gordon Stewart, said: “The continued spread of the midge-borne virus has already impacted the region.
"Organisers have recently taken the difficult but responsible decision to cancel the sheep and goat sections at both the Bellingham Show and the Glendale Show in Wooler to protect local livestock welfare.”
He added: “With a first confirmed case in our county it is vital that keepers monitor their stock closely and report any suspected cases to the APHA.
"Early reporting is essential to help scientists map the spread of the virus, identify the circulating strains, and implement control measures.”
Suspected cases in England must be reported immediately to the APHA helpline on 03000 200 301.
For further information, including signs and symptoms, go to http://www.gov.uk/guidance/bluetongue.
Livestock owners can also contact the county council’s animal health team if they have any further questions or queries by emailing [email protected]