The Animal and Plant Health Agency has extended its Bluetongue control zone to parts of Sidmouth and Honiton after cases of the viral disease were identified in cattle in neighbouring Dorset.
The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has extended its Bluetongue control zone to parts of East Devon after cases of the viral disease were identified in cattle in neighbouring Dorset. The decision comes as part of ongoing efforts to contain the spread of Bluetongue, a disease transmitted by certain species of biting midges. While the disease does not affect humans, it can cause serious health issues in livestock, particularly ruminants like sheep, which are often the most severely affected.
Bluetongue symptoms can include fever, swelling of the head and neck, and lameness, making it a significant concern for farmers in the affected areas. After Bluetongue was confirmed in cattle in Dorset, the APHA took immediate action to expand its control zone to cover parts of East Devon, including Sidmouth and Honiton, which are now included in the restricted area.
The disease is spread by biting midges and can be devastating to local livestock populations. The extended control zone will help to monitor and control the disease, limiting the movement of animals within and out of affected regions. The APHA has called for farmers in the new control areas to be vigilant, reporting any signs of Bluetongue in their livestock to local authorities.
In addition to the symptoms of fever and swelling, Bluetongue can also lead to a drop in productivity, poor fertility rates, and even death in severe cases. While the disease primarily affects sheep, cattle, and other ruminants, it does not pose a risk to human health. The APHA and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) have put in place measures to limit the disease's impact, including movement restrictions and increased surveillance in the affected areas.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs' interactive Bluetongue virus map now shows the expanded control zone, which includes key areas in East Devon, such as Sidmouth and Honiton. Farmers and animal owners in these areas are urged to follow the guidelines and protocols set out by the APHA to prevent further spread of the disease.
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