Bluetongue is spreading in the UK, but the virus is not going around

Published Jan 25, 2024

Tridge summary

Bluetongue infections in the UK are on the rise, with 55 cases found on 32 farms, mainly in Kent and Norfolk. Despite this, the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) asserts there is no evidence of the virus circulating in the country, suggesting the animals were infected before being discovered. Infected animals are being culled to reduce transmission risk and transport restrictions have been implemented. The APHA also notes that the midges, which spread the disease, are less active in winter, with increased activity expected in spring.

Disclaimer:The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

The number of known infections with bluetongue is steadily increasing in the United Kingdom. According to the latest status at the end of last week, 55 infected animals were counted on 32 farms. In all cases this concerns BTV 3. Distribution area of bluetongue larger, nothing to worry about The area of distribution is also expanding; in addition to Kent, where the first case was discovered at the beginning of December, it now mainly concerns Norfolk. This is located approximately 200 kilometers north of Kent. What these counties have in common is that they are located on the North Sea or the Channel. So directly opposite the Netherlands or France where bluetongue is widespread. The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), which has to adjust the figure upwards almost daily, still maintains that 'there is no evidence that the bluetongue virus is circulating in the country'. The service assumes that the animals have become infected before. These infections are now being discovered ...

Source: Boerderij