Defra has confirmed that bluetongue has been successfully picked up in a number of cattle imported from France through the UK’s robust post-import testing regime.
The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) identified the disease in cattle after they were brought to Preston and Kendal in England and two locations in Scotland. Action is being taken to ensure there is no spread of the disease, with movement restrictions at the affected premises, targeted surveillance and the humane culling of animals where necessary.
The UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Nigel Gibbens, has urged farmers to remain vigilant for signs of the disease. He commented: “Bluetongue does not pose a threat to human health or food safety, but can cause severe disease in some cases or have a negative impact on farm incomes, for example by causing milk yield in cows and infertility in sheep. We continue to carefully monitor the situation in France, where Bluetongue disease control measures are in place.”