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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 12th September 2024
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First bluetongue cases confirmed in Lincolnshire
More than 40 premises in England have now been affected by the virus.
Temporary control zone has been extended.

Three cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) has been confirmed in north east Lincolnshire following surveillance in the East Riding of Yorkshire temporary control zone (TCZ).

The first case was confirmed on 10 September, followed by two further cases on 11 September. In response, the Animal and Plant Health Agency has extended the TCZ in the area.

On 11 September, a case was also identified in Essex within the restricted zone that covers Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and part of Greater London.

In total, cases have been confirmed on 41 premises in England during the current vector season. The first case was confirmed on 26 August.

The secretary of state for for environment, food and rural affairs recently permitted the use of three unauthorised vaccines for BTV-3 under licence. The vaccines reduce symptoms of the virus, rather than prevent it, meaning that any movement restrictions in force will still apply to vaccinated animals.

The virus is also continuing to spread in mainland Europe. Switzerland reported its first cases of BTV-3 on 30 August and cases have continued to be detected across the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany. The disease has continued to spread in France and Denmark after their first cases of BTV-3 were detected earlier this year.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK’s chief veterinary officer, said: “I urge farmers to contact their veterinarians if they wish to use the vaccines and to continue monitoring their animals frequently for clinical signs and report suspicion of disease immediately to the Animal [and] Plant Health Agency.”

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. Suspected cases must be reported on 03000 200 301 in England or 03003 038 268 in Wales. In Scotland, suspected cases should be reported to the local field services office.

A map of the areas where restrictions apply can be found here.

Image © Shutterstock

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.