Vets detect new bluetongue virus

Bluetongue is a non-contagious virus spread by a species of midge

Five imported cattle on a Lancashire farm have tested positive for a new strain of the bluetongue virus.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said it was the first time that bluetongue serotype 1 (BTV1) had been found in the UK.

The animals, imported from south-west France, were culled and there was no evidence BTV1 has spread, Defra said.

The premises near Blackpool are now under restrictions while Defra vets check other animals on the site.

Defra said the animals' documentation complied with the EU bluetongue rules governing the movement of livestock.

There is currently no evidence that the BTV1 virus is circulating in the UK... Peter Kendall, NFU president

Chief veterinary officer Nigel Gibbens, said: "This is the first case of BTV1-infected animals being imported into the UK.

"Taking into account the epidemiological evidence and the consideration of the risk represented to British livestock, I have taken the decision to cull these animals.

"This incident shows how important it is for farmers to consider potential disease risks when buying stock."

The NFU said no UK manufacturer had currently licensed a BTV1 vaccine and called on the government to ban imports from France as a precaution.

President Peter Kendall said: "The health and welfare of our cattle and sheep sectors must be our paramount concern and this recent incident of a batch of imported cattle testing positive for BTV1 is a major concern for all livestock keepers.

"There is currently no evidence that the BTV1 virus is circulating in the UK so our main priority must be to keep this BTV serotype out of the country."

Mr Kendall said he would be speaking with Defra officials in the next few days to press his concerns.

Bluetongue is a non-contagious virus spread by a species of midge and is most commonly seen in the late summer and autumn.

BTV8 control zones are currently operation in parts of the UK and there are currently 148 affected premises.