Steve Reed Visits Essex Amid Bluetongue

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The Secretary of State for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed, visited an Essex farm on Wednesday, 25th September, to address rising concerns over the spread of bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3).

The visit aimed to provide insight into the challenges faced by farmers dealing with the disease and to discuss the government’s preventive measures.

Bluetongue Virus: A Growing Threat

Bluetongue is a devastating viral disease primarily spread by biting midges, affecting livestock such as cattle, sheep, goats, and deer. With rising cases of BTV-3 across northern Europe, UK farmers have grown increasingly concerned about the virus crossing into the country.

Symptoms include fever, lethargy, sores in the mouth or nose, and a decline in milk production.

Steve Reed’s visit was a timely response to these fears, especially for farmers whose animals have already been tested for the virus. By hearing first-hand from the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) and local farm owners, Reed was able to better understand the significant challenges posed by this outbreak.

“We are committed to working with everyone affected and urge people to report livestock they suspect have the disease,” Reed said during the visit.

Disease Control Zones and Prevention Measures

In response to the BTV-3 outbreak, disease control zones have been set up across eastern England, stretching from Lincolnshire down to West Sussex.

These zones restrict the movement of animals in an effort to contain the spread of the virus. The government has been closely monitoring these areas, adjusting the boundaries as new data becomes available.

Primary Measures:

Livestock movement restrictions in high-risk zones.
Constant review of disease control zones as new evidence emerges.
Close collaboration between the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and farmers.

Sascha Van Helvoort, APHA’s Veterinary Head of Outbreaks, commented on the current situation:

“The increasing number of bluetongue virus cases demonstrates the importance of vigilance from all livestock keepers and farmers.”

APHA teams actively support farmers through fieldwork, identifying infected livestock and advising them on best practices.

Vaccination: A Critical Defence

One of the most significant weapons in the fight against bluetongue is vaccination. Although a fully authorised vaccine for BTV-3 is not yet available in the UK, the government has permitted the use of an unauthorised vaccine under a special licence. Farmers in high-risk areas are being encouraged to consider vaccination for their herds.

If you are a livestock owner in the high-risk counties of England, you are eligible to use the vaccine under a general licence. For those outside these areas, specific licences can be applied for through the APHA.

Livestock Affected by Bluetongue

Animal Type	Affected by Bluetongue Virus	Symptoms
Cattle	Yes	Fever, lethargy, mouth ulcers, reduced milk yield
Sheep	Yes	Mouth sores, lameness, weight loss
Goats	Yes	Fever, nasal discharge, lethargy
Deer	Yes	Sores in mouth, fever, and listlessness

Urging Vigilance and Reporting

The government’s response has been clear—early detection is crucial in halting the spread of bluetongue. Livestock owners are being urged to report any suspicions of BTV-3 immediately to the APHA. This ensures that field teams can respond quickly to manage and contain any outbreaks.

Farmers should regularly inspect their animals for signs of bluetongue virus, which can exhibit varied symptoms. Early reporting can make all the difference in preventing further transmission.

Sascha Van Helvoort reinforced this message, stating,

“If you have any suspicions of disease, you must report this to the Animal Plant Health Agency immediately so we can provide assistance.”

Government Commitment

The visit to Essex highlighted the government’s commitment to the agricultural sector and its determination to stop the virus from spreading further into the country.

While restrictions can be challenging for farmers, they are essential to safeguarding the health of the national livestock population.

Steve Reed’s visit reinforced the importance of collaboration between farmers, veterinary professionals, and the government. As the virus continues to pose a threat, Reed assured the farming community that the government remains focused on supporting them through these difficult times.