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Bluetongue virus found on Welsh farm

THREE sheep moved to Gwynedd from the east of England have been identified with bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3).

This is the first time Bluetongue-3 has been found in Wales, following BTV-3 cases detected in the east of England over the last month.

Bluetongue is caused by a virus that is primarily transmitted by certain species of biting midges. It affects ruminants (such as cattle, goats, sheep and deer) and camelids (such as alpacas and llamas).

Bluetongue does not affect people or food safety.

Further investigations are taking place on the farm affected to determine whether additional controls are needed.

Farmers are being urged to be vigilant for the disease and practice safe sourcing of livestock.

The Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer Gavin Watkins said: “The cases identified in Gwynedd are from animals brought into Wales.

“We will apply measures to stop the disease spreading from these three sheep into wider circulation. Our aim remains to keep Wales free of bluetongue.

“It is important to talk to your vet and practice safe sourcing of livestock to protect our herds and flocks and keep any further disease out of Wales.

“I would urge all farmers and others who keep ruminants and camelids to be vigilant for the signs of Bluetongue and to report any suspect cases to APHA immediately.

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“We have been raising awareness of the disease with vets and industry and appreciate their help in communicating the risks to animal keepers in Wales.”

“Industry must be vigilant”: Says FUW President Ian Rickman.

Ian Rickman, FUW President, says: “This concerning situation highlights the need for all farmers to be aware of the risks of sourcing livestock from areas at risk of Bluetongue, especially as the season for selling and purchasing breeding stock is in full swing.”

“Precautions must be taken if you intend to purchase livestock from areas that border the Restricted Zone, in the east of England, due to the fluid movement of the small flies, midges, that carry BTV-3.”

BTV is a disease that, by law, needs to be reported to government officials via veterinary practices. It affects ruminants such as sheep and cattle and is spread by biting midges, which carry the virus from one animal to another. BTV causes fever, crusting and ulcers around the nose and mouth, swollen head and lameness, and in extreme cases, it causes abortions and death. However, some of these signs are not always present.

“It is important to note that the Bluetongue Virus does not affect people or the safety of meat and dairy products.

“As an industry, we need to be vigilant about the role that we play in preventing the spread of this virus, especially in areas that are currently free from disease.

“We need to be mindful when sourcing our livestock, understanding that the virus is spread by midges but can also be transmitted through infected semen and embryos, and raising awareness of the clinical signs of infection in our animals.”

On Wednesday, October 2, James Evans MS questioned the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs about the Welsh Government’s plan to tackle the Bluetongue virus after cases were found in imported sheep from England.

Huw Irranca-Davies: Rural Affairs Minister rejects Conservative claims that Welsh Government too slow to act.

Rejecting Mr Evan’s suggestion that the Welsh Government was too slow to act, Huw Irranca-Davies said: “We’re in regular close contact with farming unions and organisations like the National Sheep Association. They’re very important partners with us on this group, and they cascade information on the risks to their members. We’re very grateful for their co-operation and for their reach into the agricultural communities. We’ve also run, through the Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer, Llywydd, webinars for vets in practice to raise awareness and share details of the clinical signs so that vets can discuss the disease with their clients. We do encourage keepers to seek veterinary advice before sourcing animals from high-risk areas so they can make an informed assessment.

“But crucially, we have no current evidence of active bluetongue infection in Wales. In recent days, we have seen a small number of sheep brought into Wales from the east of England. This does not constitute an outbreak or a midge-borne infection in Wales. And we have to reinforce that message, but we are asking people to be very vigilant.”

Pressed on whether the Welsh Government planned to introduce a vaccination programme to Wales by Plaid Cymru’s Llyr Gruffydd, Mr Irranca-Davies replied: “The advice at the moment from our CVO, and also his discussions with his UK counterparts, is that there is very little purpose in using and deploying the vaccine in Wales while Wales is actually disease free.

“What we’ve got are animals who have introduced the disease into a herd, and we’re taking the right measures.”

Urging prompt action from the Welsh Government: James Evans MS

Reflecting on his the Rural Affairs Minister’s responses, James Evans MS, Welsh Conservative Shadow Rural Affairs Minister, said: “After the first cases of Bluetongue were identified in Wales, I sought clarity on Labour’s plans to reduce any potential spread.

“The spread of Bluetongue is concerning. While I welcome any action from the Welsh Government, there have been cases in England since August, and DEFRA has put plans in place to counter the spread.

“The Welsh Government must get a grip on this situation quickly and ease the concerns of the rural community.”

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