DEFRA are required under UK law to complete an annual survey for the presence of bluetongue virus. APHA complete this survey in the areas of the country most at risk of having been exposed to potentially infected midges blown over from mainland Europe. This survey is part of the evidence that DEFRA use to demonstrate that UK livestock remains free from bluetongue.
As bluetongue continues to circulate in France and Belgium, the modelling completed so far indicates that the areas of UK most at risk of having had incursions of infected midges are Suffolk, Kent, Essex, Hampshire (incl. Isle of Wight), East Sussex, West Sussex and Dorset.
From 4 September 2020 onwards, APHA will be calling cattle farmers in these counties to encourage their participation in the survey. While individual farmer participation in the survey is not mandatory, animal keepers are encouraged to take part. This will be particularly important this year as greater scrutiny of our disease free status is anticipated following the ending of the transition period.
DEFRA reassure cattle keepers that sampling will be done following the government’s coronavirus guidance and where possible, sampling will be completed by the farmer’s own vet alongside other routine veterinary activity such as TB testing.
More information on the bluetongue virus and its clinical signs can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/bluetongue