Breaking News - Bluetongue in Wales - 14/02/08

First case of Bluetongue detected

An imported sheep has tested positive for Bluetongue in Llandysul, Ceredigion.
        The sheep, imported from the Netherlands, tested positive for the virus following routine post import testing undertaken by Animal Health on behalf of the Welsh Assembly Government.

        This is an isolated incident from an imported animal and it has not been confirmed that the disease is circulating in Wales.  Movement restrictions have been imposed on the farm and the Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales has ordered the immediate slaughter of the infected animal to minimise the risk of spreading.   Midge activity which spreads the virus is currently low which also minimises the risk.

        Rural Affairs Minister Elin Jones said: “This is not good news.  However, as this is an isolated incident from an imported animal it is important to emphasise that Wales remains disease free.  This is an imported animal out of a group of 14 and this case has arisen at a time of year when the risk of transmission is low.  The remaining animals in the group have tested negative.”

        Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Christianne Glossop said: “This isolated incident highlights the importance of farmers thinking very carefully of the consequences of importing animals.  While current EU legislation allows the import of animals from BT surveillance zones, there are risks involved as today’s events have shown. 

        “There is nothing to suggest the virus is circulating in Wales and we remain free of the disease.  A similar incident occurred in Scotland last year and they too remain disease free.  There will be no change to the restriction zone announced yesterday.  We will be investigating the circumstances of this incident.”

        Bluetongue is an insect-borne viral disease which affects all ruminants such as cattle, goat, deer, camelids and in particular sheep.  It does not affect humans. 

        Bluetongue is unusual in that the disease is only confirmed when there is evidence that the virus is circulating between animals and vectors in the area.

        No compensation is paid for the slaughter of imported animals which test positive for Bluetongue.