Bluetongue Disease
Updated Information: 30 April 2008
Since 31st March 2008 Manx farmers, supported by the MNFU and DAFF, have been following a voluntary ban on importing livestock at risk from Bluetongue disease.
In line with this, and to further support our farmers, it has been agreed to suspend the payment of the Livestock Improvement Grant (Sire Grant) on all imported bulls and tups. This is to take immediate effect and will remain in place until further notice.
Updated Information: 29 February 2008
As of 1800 hours Saturday, 1/03/08, the conditions governing the importation of Bluetongue susceptible animals in the Isle of Man have been tightened. Imports of female cattle over 12 months of age and female sheep over 6 months of age from Bluetongue restricted zones will be suspended until further notice.
Please see the following Press Release: Bluetongue Update 290208
For a list of suitable insecticides please see: Approved Insecticides
Updated Information: 08 February 2008
The recommencement of the importation of livestock into the Island has now been agreed, during the vector-free period within the UK and certification has been agreed with DEFRA. However,the Department is advising the industry to show self-restraint and keep importations to an absolute minimum at least until the vaccination issues are resolved. Applications for approved isolation premises and import licences are now available, from the Animal Health Division. Please see below for further details:
The first case of Bluetongue disease in the United Kingdown was confirmed on 22 September 2007 in Ipswich, Suffolk.
Unfortunately, an 'outbreak' was confirmed on 28 September 2007 and a 'Bluetongue Control Zone' has been established. Please see the DEFRA Bluetongue website pages for further information. Any hope that the onset of winter will extinguish all signs must be balanced aginst the fact that it has already survived a winter in Northern Europe.
We must all remain vigilant, given the fact that this disease has crossed the sea to England probably from The Netherlands or Belgium. The Irish Sea will not present much of a barrier once the infection reaches the Northwest of England or North Wales.
The clinical signs of Bluetongue are listed below
Common clinical signs in both sheep and cattle:
- Eye and nasal discharges;
- Drooling as a result of ulcerations in the mouth;
- High body temperature;
- Swelling of the mouth, head and neck.
Sheep are more severely affected and those surviving can show;
- Lameness;
- Bleeding into or under the skin;
- Inflammation and soreness at the junction of the skin and the horn of the foot;
- Respiratory problems - difficulty with breathing and nasal discharge.
A 'blue' tongue is rarely a sign of infection!
There are pictures of Bluetongue in domestic animals on the the DEFRA Bluetongue website pages.
Please contact Animal Health on (01624) 685844 or via Animal.Health@gov.im for further information.
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