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‘Alarming’ surge in bluetongue disease among UK sheep

Issu de Weird News Desk

An outbreak of bluetongue disease among UK sheep has seen an alarming surge, with reported cases shooting up to over 590 in a single week from 115 the previous

‘Alarming’ surge in bluetongue disease among UK sheep

Ce qu'il faut retenir

  • Bluetongue cases in the UK shot up to over 590 last week from 115 the previous week.
  • The majority of the cases are being seen in the south-west of England.
  • The true scale of the infection is unknown because surveillance testing only tests three animals on affected holdings.
  • Recent hot and humid weather has been favourable for midge populations, likely contributing to the increased cases.
  • The UK may be underprepared for a serious animal disease outbreak.

An outbreak of bluetongue disease among UK sheep has seen an alarming surge, with reported cases shooting up to over 590 in a single week from 115 the previous week. The virus, which is transmitted by biting midges and causes high fever and swelling of the lips and tongue, is particularly circulating in the south-west of England. Farmers are being urged to vaccinate and move vulnerable livestock away from midge-heavy areas, though the National Sheep Association warns that limited testing means the true scale of the infection remains unknown.

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Leurs propres mots

“Bluetongue is continuing to spread at an alarming rate and is a significant concern for livestock farmers across the country.”
Robyn Munt, National Farmers’ Union vice-president
“The number of reported cases shot up last week to over 590, from just 115 the previous week.”
Phil Stocker, National Sheep Association chief executive

Les chiffres clés

590
Bluetongue cases reported in the UK last week
115
Bluetongue cases reported in the UK the previous week
28
Days required to reach full vaccine immunity
2006
Year bluetongue was first recorded in the UK

Le fil des événements

  1. late 1990s Bluetongue virus begins migrating to southern Europe
  2. 2006 Bluetongue virus is first recorded in the UK
  3. last year National Audit Office warns UK may be underprepared
  4. last week Reported UK cases surge to over 590

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Source: Guardian World

Tagué #United Kingdom #National Sheep Association #World Organisation for Animal Health #National Farmers’ Union #Robyn Munt #Phil Stocker #National Audit Office

Questions fréquentes

Que s'est-il passé avec an outbreak of bluetongue disease among UK sheep ?
Bluetongue cases in the UK shot up to over 590 last week from 115 the previous week.
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