RBST's response to a case of Blue Tongue occurring in a cow in Suffolk.
The strain of Blue Tongue virus detected in one cow near Ipswich, Suffolk has been identified as Serotype 8. This is the strain found in Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg and Netherlands since August 2006.
The RBST is deeply concerned that a case of Blue Tongue Virus has been identified and wishes to high light the following points.
- We have seen the impact of this disease on our European neighbours with nearly 5000 outbreaks confirmed in the EU.
- We note that Defra says that the case in Suffolk does not constitute a confirmed outbreak and will not do so unless further investigation demonstrates that the disease is circulating. We understand that the one infected animal will be culled.
- The Government must refrain from any wider culling policy. Widespread culling of animals would not contain the virus, but we appreciate that in some cases, it may be necessary to do so on welfare grounds.
- This is a serious situation but we hope that this is an isolated case. Precautionary restrictions are essential but the nature of the spread, by wind-borne midges, presents a real challenge - even with conventional animal movement controls.
- The onset of cooler weather and less favourable wind patterns may offer some respite and in the longer term, increase the prospect of developing effective vaccines against this threat. Some infected animals can recover - and become naturally immune.
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