Bluetongue Virus Import Risk Cattle by Cian Goodrich

Background

s1508426_ — 2023-11-28 19:01:13 UTC

Bluetongue is a viral disease transmitted by insects (Culicoides midges). Mostly it affects cattle and sheep, but can infect all ruminants.

Clinical Signs

Potential Threats to Northern Ireland (NI)

There has been no confirmed diagnoses of Bluetongue (BTV) within a distance which wind borne vector insects could carry the disease to NI.
The main threat of introduction is through import of infected animals or indirect import of infected vectors in transport equipment.

s1508426_ — 2023-11-28 19:09:02 UTC

Avoid importation of animals from infected areas if possible.
Request pre-importation test prior to export.
Familiarise yourself with clinical signs of BTV
Keep up to date with current recommendations as situation develops
Current advice:
- France: animals need vaccination to BTV4 & BTV8 serotypes prior to export
Use insecticides on transport vehicles transporting animals from BTV restricted areas
For movements within EU from BTV restricted areas to NI for example, need to be accommodated in vector free housing for 60 days and test negative no more than 7 days before export to NI.

s1508426_ — 2023-11-28 19:24:34 UTC

s1508426_ — 2023-11-28 19:31:57 UTC