This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Precautionary measures against 'Bluetongue'
24/08/2006
The Executive and the State Veterinary Service have been taking precautionary steps to check recent imports of Bluetongue susceptible animals following the recent outbreak in central Europe.
In particular the State Veterinary Service has been considering all imports to Great Britain since July 1 and inspecting those animals originating from the affected countries.
Highlighting these precautionary steps, Environment and Rural Development Minister Ross Finnie said:
"The arrival of Bluetongue in the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium is a significant development and whilst the risk to the UK is judged to be low, it is important that Scotland is prepared.
"The SVS's audit of imports has identified one direct movement into Scotland from the Netherlands to date. This consignment has been inspected and as a precautionary measure tested for Bluetongue virus. Preliminary results are negative and final confirmation is expected shortly.
"Animal owners, particularly cattle and sheep keepers, must also remain vigilant for signs of disease and if they have any concerns they should contact their local SVS office. I would remind animal keepers of the requirement to report imports of cattle and sheep from outwith the UK to their local animal health office."
Bluetongue is an insect-borne viral disease which affects all ruminants, such as cattle, goat, deer and, in particular, sheep. Bluetongue does not affect humans.
Current Situation:
There have been cases of Bluetongue in sheep and cattle in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. All exports of cattle, sheep and deer from Luxembourg and the affected parts of Belgium the Netherlands and Germany have been stopped. The movement of animals has been restricted across the affected area.
Clinical signs in sheep may include: fever; swelling of the head and neck; inflammation and ulceration of the mucous membrane of the mouth, nose and eyelids; lameness; muscle degeneration and leaking of blood or serum from blood vessels into the surrounding tissues; haemorrhages in the skin and other tissues; respiratory signs such as froth in the lungs and an inability to swallow; and a high mortality rate. Sometimes, although it is rare, there may be some discolouration and swelling of the tongue.
Clinical signs in cattle: There have been reports of cattle displaying clinical signs during the current outbreak in Western Europe. These have included nasal discharge, swelling and ulceration of the mouth and swollen teats.
The Executive and the State Veterinary Service have increased surveillance for the disease in Scotland.
In the light of this, a consignment of cattle imported to Scotland from the Netherlands was tested as a precautionary measure for Bluetongue virus. The test results received confirmed that the cattle do not have Bluetongue. A high level of vigilance will be maintained and animal keepers have an important part to play in this.
Defra and the Welsh Assembly Government have also increased surveillance in England and Wales with a view to identifying consignments of sheep and cattle from the affected European countries.