as we haven't yet ordered any vaccine just expect it to take over the whole country next year if it's a hot summer
70% mortality in sheep - not a good thing - at least defra won't cull/kill things as it's not the animals' fault - it's the midge
more worrying is that it's the same midge that carries african horse sickenss
no vaccine for that either and the EU policy is compulsory slaughter for horses - only vaccine is in s. africa and it's not EU licensed
It was in a cow recently imported from Europe - possibly Germany, i believe. The Cow has now been destroyed & the farm in quarentine. Sounds like the cow came across with the disease, rather than picked it up here.
It is about 5 miles away from where we are with the horses. Farmer bought some stock from abroad where blue tongue is know to be rife, and brings it back here. Fabulous!
The only lucky thing is we've had a hard frost for several days and hopefully no midges!
If there are areas in Germany and other countries where bluetongue is currently rife - why on earth are UK farmers allowed to import from there? Shouldn't there be quarantined ares with no movement?
And technically speaking, the farm is actually on the edge of the North Yorks moors and a good way from Middlesbrough itself...
What's the situation with regard to movement of stock outside of the contamination zone to other areas outside. The defra website seems a bit confusing on this. Anyone moved stock from holding to holding, I'm not talking from pasture to abattoir.