Bluetongue update

After Chris’ report this week we are joined by Lorraine Blaxell, a Vet from Three Rivers and Chapelfield Vets and Jonny Crickmore, a dairy farmer from Bungay in Suffolk to discuss the latest outbreak of the Bluetongue (BTV3) virus in the UK. Lorraine explains what the virus is, the animals that are affected and some of the main signs and symptoms we might expect to see as well as how the virus is spread and what treatment looks like for infected animals. She outlines the impact and legal steps that must be followed when an outbreak is identified on farm, including movement restrictions & possible culling if this outbreak is found in a new area of the country not already under restriction. Jonny explains what the control zones mean for his business within East Anglia and what steps they are taking to try and avoid contracting the disease as much as possible. Lorraine also explains the impact a pending vaccine could have, as well as how an extended period of cold weather could help stop the spread of the virus.