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25/08/07
The worst of the FMD scare is over but Blue Tongue, which is
once again rampant in mainland Europe, remains a huge threat
and the livestock industry must be vigilant.
So says the National Beef Association, which is alarmed at recent
reports that officials in France, Belgium, the Netherlands and
Germany cannot keep pace with reports of new Blue Tongue outbreaks
which are coming in at more than 100 cases a day.
“One huge menace appears to be close to disappearing but another, which
in terms of the long term restrictions it places on cattle and sheep movements
could do just as much economic damage, has reared up again across the English
Channel and the industry cannot lower its guard,” explained NBA director,
Kim Haywood.
“Importers must be especially careful to take all precautions when delivering
stock to UK customers. Every effort must be taken by lorry drivers to minimise
time spent travelling through infected areas and all precautionary regulations
covering insecticide use and other bio-security safeguards must be scrupulously
obeyed.”
“Farmers, especially those in areas where infected midges might be blown
in from the Continent must also be alert when checking stock. All suspected cases
must be reported and the NBA is fully behind Defra’s Blue Tongue control
strategy which was published this week.”
“The UK cannot afford to let this disease become embedded in its stock
because it is difficult to dislodge. On-farm vigilance has helped to minimise
the damage that could have been caused by FMD now the unwelcome challenge posed
by Blue Tongue has to be met as well.”
 Cattle Industry urged to be vigilant in keeping Bluetongue out
Bluetongue virus in the Netherlands identified as serotype 8 by IAH
Bluetongue prevention measures stepped
up
Bluetongue disease confirmed in
Belgium and Germany
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