Bluetongue-positive animals have been imported to England and Scotland.

Cattle in a consignment from an assembly centre in France have tested positive for Bluetongue virus BTV-8 says Defra and the Scottish government.

The animals entered the UK earlier this month destined for four farms in England (Preston and Kendal) and Scotland (Dumfries and Stirling). The virus was detected in some of the animals during routine post-movement tests. 

Spread by infected midges, Blue-tongue affects cows, goats, sheep and other camelids such as llamas.

Cattle with a high risk of being infected with the BTV-8 strain of bluetongue or which had not been vaccinated before being exported will be humanely culled. Farmers will have the option to send those animals without fully compliant paperwork back to France or to cull them to reduce the risk of disease spreading to susceptible UK livestock.

Farmers are reminded that animals from these regions must be accompanied by the relevant paperwork to clearly show they meet certain conditions designed to reduce disease risk, such as correct vaccination.

Movement restrictions will be in place on the premises for several weeks until testing rules out spread via local midges.

The UK has been officially free from the disease since July 2011 and remains officially bluetongue-free at present. Exports are not affected.

The British Veterinary Association (BVA), the British Cattle Veterinary Association, Sheep Veterinary Society and Goat Veterinary Society have stressed the importance of careful animal sourcing.

BVA senior vice president Gudrun Ravetz said: “It is reassuring that the systems we have in place for post-movement testing have ensured the disease has been detected quickly, and that action has been taken.

“However, it is a grave and timely reminder to all livestock keepers of the importance of responsible sourcing of animals, and of fully understanding the potential disease risks of importing animals from areas where disease is known to be circulating.

“Farmers should always consult their local vet and act within their farm health plan when sourcing new animals.

“Bluetongue virus is spread via infected midges and with the mild weather we have been experiencing in the UK this autumn it is essential that farmers, vets and government agencies remain vigilant to the threat of disease spread.

“Signs of the disease include eye and nasal discharge, drooling, swelling around the head or mouth, lethargy and lameness. BTV-8 does not pose a threat to human health, but can have a negative impact on animal health for example by causing infertility or reduced milk yields.

Any suspicion of Bluetongue should be reported to the APHA immediately. Livestock keepers should also discuss options such as vaccination as one of the main methods of disease control.”

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease and any suspicions must be reported immediately to the APHA on 03000 200 301 (England), 0300 303 8268 (Wales) and regional Field Services Offices in Scotland (gov.uk/government/organisations/animal-and-plant-health-agency/about/access-and-opening#field-services-offices-scotland), or to DAERA in Northern Ireland on 0300 200 7840.

For further advice on Bluetongue, contact the Defra Helpline on 03459 33 55 77.