Farming: The Fear Of Bluetongue

The virus, which was detected on a cow at Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm near Ipswich, was confirmed by Defra to be the Serotype 8 strain of the disease – the same found in Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands since August 2006.

Bluetongue, which is an insect-borne disease, is transmitted by a small number of species of biting midgies. The virus cannot directly transfer from animal to animal, but, being caused by insect bites, it is extremely difficult to control. Originated in Africa, it has spread to continental Europe and effects all ruminants including sheep, cattle, deer and goats. Although the UK had been safe so far, it seems this has changed.

However, Defra refuses to talk of an epidemic yet. A statement says, “This is not a confirmed outbreak unless further investigation demonstrates that disease is circulating, and this could take days or weeks to assess. The premises where Bluetongue was detected remains under restrictions and epidemiological investigations are being carried out to assess the situation. Bluetongue is a very different infection to Foot and Mouth disease and the strategy to control it is therefore also different.”

The virus, which has had devastating effect in Africa and Northern Europe, is something British farmers would have happily done without. Although it does no affect humans, an outbreak could be catastrophic for UK farmers, as the disease can kill three quarters of infected flocks in a matter of weeks. The situation could be made even more complicated with the absence of vaccine or cure.

“It remains vitally important that farmers maintain vigilance for this disease and report any suspect cases, particularly as clinical signs may be similar to Foot and Mouth disease,” explains Debby Reynolds, Defra’s chief veterinary officer.

The Storer family, who run Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm, have issued the following statement, “We have been through a traumatic week, starting last Monday when we called our vet to have a look at a Highland cow who was showing some of the signs of Foot and Mouth. Having reached the point on Thursday when we were assured that we had not got the disease on the farm, the drama began all over again when we were told that all our stock would need to be checked for Bluetongue.”

Although the virus had never reached our shores, a report in The Independent newspaper, published last August, pointed out that changing climate and warmer temperatures could bring it to Britain before soon. In the article, Nick Blayney, president elect of the British Veterinary Association, expressed his fears, saying, “Bluetongue is right on the edge of the Channel now and it would seem to be a practical consequence of global warming. It is a question of when, rather than if. It is not going to spread dramatically in the same way that Foot and Mouth can, but the worrying thing is that it will be difficult to stamp out because it is an insect-borne disease.”

However, there are no signs yet that the virus will reach the stage of epidemic in this country.