Bluetongue disease found near Ruthin

Sep 24 2008 by David Rutland, Denbigh Visitor

A DEADLY animal disease responsible for the deaths of hundreds of sheep and cattle came to Denbighshire last week.

Two imported cattle have tested positive for Bluetongue type eight, and another animal is under investigation at a premises near Ruthin.

Farmers must now inoculate their animals against infection.

Farmers Union Wales representative Gwyn Williams, said: “It’s spread not animal to animal, but by midges, so whether it spreads or not depends on the weather.

“It was very inconsiderate and incorrect for this person to import these animals. He’s not only risking his own animals but also those of other farmers in the area.”

But even vaccinating every sheep cow and goat in the county may not be enough.

The virus’ incubation period is between five and 20 days, while the inoculation takes around three weeks to work.

Symptoms include high fever, salivation, swollen faces and tongues. Swelling of the lips and tongue can give the tongue a blue appearance.

Not all animals develop symptoms, but all those that do lose condition rapidly, and the sickest die within a week.

For affected animals which do not die, recovery is very slow and can lasting several months.

“There’s a lot of uncertainty about the vaccine, so we’re just hoping for the best,” said Mr Williams.

“We know it’s not fatal but animals will have a lot of problems if they recover – we don’t want it to come to that really.”

It is thought that the cattle were imported from the Limoges area of France and were detected following post-import testing.

They were part of a group of seven cattle. Restrictions have been imposed on the premises pending further investigations and a veterinary risk assessment.

Traditionally affecting only Mediterranean and tropical countries, Bluetongue has been spreading northward over the last decade.

Buffalo, deer, dromedaries and antelope are also affected.

david.rutland