Press Release - Bluetongue - Farmers to remain vigilant - 22 September 2007
The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) reminds farmers of the importance of remaining vigilant by regularly inspecting their animals for symptoms of Bluetongue disease.
This comes in response to the detection of Bluetongue in one cow on a premises near Ipswich, Suffolk in England.
Bluetongue is a notifiable insect-borne viral disease that affects all ruminants, such as cattle, goats, deer and, in particular, sheep. This is a disease of animals and does not pose any risk to human health. It is spread only by infected biting midges.
Information about the clinical signs of Bluetongue is outlined in the Bluetongue leaflet which is available on the DARD website at:
A Question and Answer guide is also available on the DARD website.
If a farmer has any concerns about his animals, he should immediately consult his own veterinarian or local Divisional Veterinary Office.
Due to ongoing Foot and Mouth Disease in England, the Northern Ireland ports remain closed to the import of live susceptible animals from Great Britain.
Notes to Editors:
- Defra issued a Press Release on 22 September about the detection of Bluetongue near Ipswich, Suffolk. This Press Release is available on the Defra website at http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2007/070922a.htm
- In June 2007, DARD published a Bluetongue leaflet to help make farmers aware of the clinical signs of this notifiable disease.
- A Question and Answer guide to Bluetongue is available on the DARD website.
- All media queries to DARD Press Office 028 9052 4619. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.