Bluetongue strikes
27/11/2008
Six imported cattle and a sheep have tested positive for Bluetongue, the UK government's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has said.
The animals came from France and, after testing, were found to be infected with the BTV8 strain. A vaccination programme against the strain started earlier this year.
Defra said the discovery showed that its 'rigorous' post-import testing was working, and added:"We continue to test all susceptible animals imported to the UK from continental Europe, for all strains of Bluetongue. The threat from Bluetongue is present and real, as shown by recent import cases. Vaccination as a preventive measure is therefore more important than ever."
Bluetongue is a non-contagious virus spread by a species of midge and is most commonly seen in the late summer and autumn.
The six infected cattle are undergoing treatment.
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