Bluetongue
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Latest information
27/08/08 - Bluetongue Announcement
In response to DEFRA's announcement today of the detection of two cases of Bluetongue in imported rams, a Welsh Assembly Government Spokesperson said
DEFRA has announced the detection of two cases of Bluetongue in imported rams in East Sussex and Hertfordshire. The farms are now under restriction while an investigation takes place. These are the first cases of Bluetongue virus positive animals found in the UK this summer. The cases underline the need for farmers in Wales to act on the Welsh Assembly Government's calls to prepare to vaccinate their animals as soon as Wales is declared a Protection Zone. It also underlines the need for farmers in Wales to think carefully about where they source their livestock.
19/08/08 - Prepare for bluetongue vaccination – Chief Vet’s message to Pembrokeshire County Show
The Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, Dr Christianne Glossop, has asked Pembrokeshire farmers to act on advice to prepare to vaccinate livestock against Bluetongue.
18/08/08 - Update on Bluetongue Protection Zone roll-out
The Welsh Assembly Government last week announced its intention to declare the whole of Wales a Bluetongue Protection Zone. The exact date is subject to the availability of Bluetongue vaccine and no new outbreak of the disease. However, the Welsh Assembly Government can confirm that the declaration of the Protection Zone is not expected to be before Sunday 31 August.
05/08/08 - Welsh Assembly Government intends to declare the whole of Wales a Bluetongue Protection Zone
The Welsh Assembly Government announced today (5 August) its intention to declare the whole of Wales a Bluetongue Protection Zone as opposed to introducing a gradual roll-out of the Zone by county. This will be subject to the availability of Bluetongue vaccine and no new outbreak of disease.
18/07/2008 - Protection Zone Roll-out
The Protection Zone in Wales is not expected to be rolled-out further before August 17 at the earliest. This is according to the latest indications on vaccine availability and expert advice.
The latest indications on vaccine production signal that batches will be available later than expected. This will impact on when the Protection Zone in Wales can be rolled-out further.
The latest Bluetongue news, licences and legislation can be viewed by clicking the links to the right of the screen
Bluetongue Vaccination
- The vaccine will only be authorised for sale via veterinary practices following epidemiological advice in light of the development of the disease.
- If vaccination is authorised in any part of Wales, the Welsh Assembly Government would be required to declare the area concerned a Bluetongue Protection Zone
Signs of disease
The clinical signs can vary from inapparent to mild or severe, depending on the virus strain and the breed of sheep involved. Deaths of sheep in a flock may reach as high as 70 per cent. Animals that survive the disease will lose condition with a reduction in meat and wool production. In sheep, the disease is characterised by fever that may last for several days. Increased respiration and hyperaemia of the lips, mucous linings of the mouth and nose and eyelids, accompanied by excess salivation and frothing follow this. Nasal discharges are common. There is sometimes oedema (abnormal swelling) of the head and neck. The hyperaemia and oedema may result in lameness and recumbency. Animals can lose condition rapidly, including muscle degeneration. Infection during pregnancy may result in abortions and congenital abnormalities.
Related Links
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