APHA (Animal and Plant Health Agency) has confirmed a very high probability of BTV-3 spreading across ruminants in Great Britain.
In its updated risk assessment (published 7 May), the government warned that the virus could be more widely spread as infected biting midges are blown over from northern Europe.
See: GOV.UK | Bluetongue virus risk set out for the year ahead
Although a vaccine for BTV-3 has been authorised for use in the Netherlands, it is yet to have authorisation in the UK and is not expected imminently.
Anxiety among farmers
“It is imperative that Defra, vaccine manufacturers and the livestock sector work together to ensure a vaccine is authorised and available as soon as possible to help minimise the impact of this disease.”
NFU President Tom Bradshaw
NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: “The impact of BTV3 in the Netherlands has been devastating for many farmers, especially in sheep flocks. Here in the UK, livestock farmers are anxious to protect their livestock as the risk of midge incursion increases with the warmer weather.
“While we all know that a vaccine provides the long-term solution it is becoming increasingly clear that the Dutch BTV-3 vaccine won’t be authorised for use in the UK quickly enough to protect livestock this summer.”
Urgent need for collaboration
“Defra’s own risk assessment shows that bluetongue is highly likely to spread widely across the UK, therefore it’s imperative that Defra, vaccine manufacturers and the livestock sector work together to ensure a vaccine is authorised and available as soon as possible to help minimise the impact of this disease.
“Farmers should remain vigilant for signs of the disease and ensure their holding details are correctly recorded with Defra or the APHA.”
Chief Vet urges farmers to remain vigilant
Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Christine Middlemiss said: “Our robust surveillance systems show we have now entered the period where biting midges are more active, and we know that the likelihood of bluetongue virus entering Great Britain is increasing.
“Despite the increase in midge activity, the current risk of transmission has not changed, but I would urge farmers to remain vigilant and report any suspicions to the Animal Plant Health Agency.”
Watch again: Bluetongue update featuring the UK's Chief Veterinary Officer