Bluetongue 'restricted zone' extended to Surrey as disease outbreak spreads
Surrey has been added to the Bluetongue restricted zone as the disease continues to spread among livestock in the south and east of England. The UK's Chief Veterinary Officer has declared the zones across affected regions to halt the disease's progression, with a new map highlighting the impacted areas.
The most recent measures were implemented last night (September 21) after additional Bluetongue - or BTV-3 - cases were identified near the original restricted zones' boundaries. This means the newly expanded restricted zone now also encompasses all of Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Greater London, West Sussex and Surrey.
Bluetongue virus, primarily transmitted through midge bites, affects cattle, goats, sheep, deer, and camelids such as llamas and alpacas. The effects on animals can vary significantly - some show no clinical signs or effects at all, while for others, it can cause productivity issues like reduced milk yield, and in the most severe cases, it can be fatal for infected animals.
READ MORE: Warning 'high probability' new strain of bluetongue will spread as cases found in Surrey
READ MORE: Met Office issues new 24-hour rain warning for Surrey
All keepers of cattle, sheep, other ruminants, and camelids in the disease hotspots will need to adhere to strict restrictions on where they move their animals, as well as cleaning products. Bluetongue does not affect humans, and meat and milk from infected animals are safe to consume.
All premises with infections have been put under restrictions, and susceptible animals can only be moved from these premises with a licence. Essential movements of susceptible animals (cattle, sheep, goats, deer and other ruminants and camelids including llamas and alpacas) can occur without a licence within the restricted zone but cannot leave it without a specific licence.
A general licence for moving animals to designated abattoirs is also available. Anyone caught moving animals out of their zone without permission could face a conviction or fine, or even imprisonment of between three to six months.
What is Bluetongue?
Bluetongue impacts animals by causing fever, swelling of the neck and head, and inflammation of nose, eyes and mouth, which can cause tongues to turn blue. It can cause a reduction in milk production and lethargy. Some animals can survive the disease, but it does have a high mortality rate.
There is not yet a cure for this infectious disease, which is what makes it so problematic for farmers and livestock owners. Farmers and those working in agriculture may also notice a financial impact, as they will not be able to take animals to fairs. They will also not be able to buy, sell or breed animals as a result of the restrictions.
Deputy UK Chief Veterinary Officer Ele Brown said: "As the number of Bluetongue cases continues to rise in England and northern Europe, we are taking further action to extend the restriction zone to mitigate the spread of the disease. Whilst we appreciate restrictions have an impact, it’s vital all farmers and keepers within Bluetongue control zones adhere to the restrictions and only move animals when it’s absolutely essential to prevent the disease spreading to their herds.
"We are committed to working with everyone affected and urge people to report livestock they suspect have the disease. We will continue to keep control zones under review."
Get more news from SurreyLive straight to your inbox for free here.