Restrictions have been imposed in two UK counties, Norfolk and Suffolk, following confirmed cases of the animal disease Bluetongue. The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has set up a restricted zone in these areas to prevent further spread of the disease. Currently, there have been five confirmed cases of the Bluetongue virus in infected premises, prompting surveillance efforts to assess the virus’s circulation in the UK. Strict restrictions on animal and germinal product movements are now in place for all keepers of cattle, sheep, and other ruminants in Norfolk and Suffolk.
According to the UK’s chief veterinary officer, Christine Middlemiss, farmers in these regions must act promptly to prevent the disease from affecting their herds and spreading further. Movements of susceptible animals within the restricted zone are only allowed under licence, with essential moves permitted without a licence but not outside the restricted area. Bluetongue, an animal disease that affects various livestock animals, including cattle and sheep, can lead to symptoms such as a swollen blue tongue, fever, reduced milk yield, and, in severe cases, death. Importantly, the disease does not affect humans or food safety.
The recent increase in Bluetongue cases in other European countries like the Netherlands, Germany, France, Luxembourg, and Denmark has raised concerns about the disease affecting susceptible animals in the UK. The first case of Bluetongue in Britain was confirmed in March 2024, with a total of 126 cases reported between November 2023 and March 2024 in four counties of England. The UK had not experienced an outbreak of Bluetongue since 2007, coinciding with other challenges faced by farmers, such as bird flu and foot and mouth disease.
Farmers and veterinarians are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicions to the Animal and Plant Health Agency promptly. The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) emphasises the importance of preventing further spread of Bluetongue and the need for collaborative efforts to manage the disease effectively.