ANIMAL disease bluetongue has been identified in two cattle imported into North Yorkshire from France, officials said.
The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and the Pirbright Institute identified the virus in the animals when they were brought to North Yorkshire from central France, where bluetongue continues to slowly spread.
The disease, transmitted by midge bites, does not affect people or food safety, but can reduce milk yield and cause infertility in livestock such as cows, goats, sheep and llamas - and in severe cases, is fatal for infected animals.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said action was being taken to ensure the risk of the virus spreading is reduced, with movement restrictions on the affected premises.
The two affected cattle have been culled.
Following the successful interception of the infected animals, the UK remains officially bluetongue-free, the risk of the disease remains low and exports are not affected, officials said.
Deputy chief veterinary officer for the UK, Graeme Cooke, said: "Bluetongue does not pose a threat to human health or food safety, but the disease impacts farming, causing reduced milk yield in cows and infertility in sheep.
"This detection is an example of our robust disease surveillance procedures in action but must highlight to farmers the risks which come with bringing animals from disease-affected areas into their herds."
He said farmers must remain vigilant and report any suspicions to the APHA, and work with importers to make sure vaccination requirements are complied with and animals responsibly sourced.
Farmers are also being reminded that the disease remains a threat, despite it coming to the end of the March to October season when midges are most active.
The movement restrictions will stay in place for at least a few weeks until testing rules out spread by local midges, Defra said.
Department for Environment Information
How to spot bluetongue
APHA will investigate if you report that you suspect a case of bluetongue.
In sheep
In sheep the main signs of bluetongue are:
ulcers in the mouth
discharge of mucus and drooling from mouth and nose
swelling of the mouth, head and neck and the coronary band (where the skin of the leg meets the horn of the foot)
Other clinical signs include:
red skin as a result of blood collecting beneath the surface
fever
lameness
breathing problems
In cattle
Cattle are the main carriers of bluetongue. Infected cattle generally do not show any signs of the disease, but occasionally signs can include:
swelling and ulcers in the mouth
nasal discharge
red skin and eyes as a result of blood collecting beneath the surface
swollen teats
tiredness
Other animals rarely show signs of the disease.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here