Farmers warned of bluetongue risk
Following the spread of bluetongue widely across Eastern England and the detection of isolated cases in south-west England and north-west Wales, Irish farmers have once again been reminded of the risks of bluetongue.
Warning farmers of the potential threat of this viral disease, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue T.D. reminder farmers to report any suspect cases to the Department promptly.
As bluetongue virus is a notifiable disease, there is a legal obligation for any suspect case to be reported to the Department. If the presence of bluetongue is suspected on a holding, the herdowner should contact their local Regional Veterinary Office without delay (during office hours) or the National Disease Emergency Hotline on: (01) 492 8026 outside of office hours.
Bluetongue poses a major threat to the Irish cattle and sheep industries, causing substantial losses to farmers and industry in countries which have experienced outbreaks. The disease has also spread across continental Europe, including France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, and Norway.
What is Bluetongue?
Bluetongue is a viral disease affecting cattle, sheep, goats, alpacas and other ruminants and camelids. Bluetongue does not pose a food safety or public health risk. It is spread between animals by biting midges. There are many different serotypes. Bluetongue virus 3 (BTV-3) is currently the most serious threat. It has been spreading rapidly across north-western Europe since last autumn. The high-risk period in Ireland runs from spring until late autumn when midges are most abundant.
Clinical signs include:
- Fever;
- Inappetence (loss or lack of appetite);
- Drop in milk yield;
- Reddening of the mucus membranes;
- Sores on the nose, gum and dental pads;
- Swelling of the face, lips and tongue (i.e. ‘bluetongue’);
- Breathing difficulties if the tongue swells;
- Drooling;
- Discharge from the eyes and/or nose;
- Lameness;
- Abortion or deformities in offspring/foetus;
- In severe cases, death can result.
Increased risk
Minister McConalogue commented: “It is clear that the risk of spread to Ireland has increased as the disease comes closer to our shores.
"Early detection of any outbreak in Ireland will be crucial to help us prevent onward spread. For that reason, I ask all farmers to report any suspect cases of bluetongue promptly. If we can detect and respond to an incursion at an early stage, we have a better chance of stopping its spread and protecting cattle and sheep across the country.”
The Minister added: “My Department is continuing to carry out a range of surveillance and risk-reducing activities, including increased active surveillance of higher risk animals, targeted surveillance, and awareness campaigns. I want to remind anyone involved in trading in and transport of livestock to and from affected areas and countries, to support these actions and work closely with their local Regional Veterinary Office.”