Bluetongue confirmed in the south of England

The rams, imported from central France, were discovered on premises near Lewes in East Sussex and Hemel Hempstead in Hertfordshire and are the first cases to appear in the UK this summer.

Deputy chief veterinary officer, Alick Simmons said: “Bluetongue has recently been confirmed as circulating this year in the Netherlands and large areas of France, despite vaccination programmes being undertaken.

“Similar re-emergence of disease in the UK would also not be unexpected in the coming weeks.

“These cases emphasise the need for farmers to be aware of the risks of importing animals from within restricted zones.

“This also highlights the importance of vaccination. It is the only effective tool to protect susceptible animals from bluetongue.”

The animals were discovered after post import testing, having been allowed to enter the country under EU rules which allow free movement between Protection Zones in different member states.

With the PZ already covering the South of England the latest cases will not impact on the roll out of the vaccine and Defra remains on course to extend the PZ to Cumbria and the North West in early September.

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