Newcastle disease confirmed in Scotland and Bluetongue risk for GB

Veterinary surgeons are being asked this week to remain vigilant for signs of two notifiable diseases in animals and birds throughout Great Britain, following recent events in both Scotland and North West Europe.

Newcastle disease confirmed

The Scottish Executive has announced that a suspected case of Newcastle Disease on a poultry holding in East Lothian has been confirmed today, after receiving laboratory results from the Veterinary Laboratories Agency in Weybridge.

Charles Milne, the Chief Veterinary Officer for Scotland, has stressed that this is not avian influenza (bird flu), and has no significant implications for human health, but has written to all veterinary practitioners in Scotland with information and advice for themselves and their clients to help control the potential spread of the disease.

Bluetongue risk

In a separate letter to veterinary practices in England, Fred Landeg, DEFRA's Deputy Chief Veterinay Officer, has asked veterinary surgeons to continue to help in the fight against bluetongue - an insect-borne viral disease that affects ruminants such as cattle, goats, deer and particularly sheep.

Mr Landeg reported that during the last month, bluetongue had been found in the Netherlands, Belgium, parts of Western Germany and areas of Northern France. New outbreaks of recent infection continue to be reported and Great Britain was at risk of introduction of disease.

Vigilance

Both Mr Milne and Mr Landeg stressed the importance of remaining vigilant to the signs of these diseases and, if either disease is suspected, informing the State Veterinary Service or Local Animal Health Office.

View Newcastle disease letter

View Bluetongue letter

Newcastle Disease

All veterinary practitioners
Scotland

To veterinary practitioners

OUTBREAK OF NEWCASTLE DISEASE IN EAST LOTHIAN

You may be aware that today, 13 October, we have confirmed a case of Newcastle Disease in grey partridge at Fenton Barnes near Gullane, East Lothian.  I am writing to you so that you will be able to access the most up-to-date and accurate information if you are approached by clients.

The poultry will be slaughtered, and an Order has been signed establishing a Surveillance Zone with a 10 km radius around the infected premises and inside this a Protection Zone with a radius of 3 km.  Within these zones there are restrictions on the movement of birds and eggs and a ban on bird gatherings.  Inside the Protection Zone all poultry must be housed.  You will find attached a map of the zones and a leaflet on Newcastle Disease for bird keepers.

It is important to stress to the public that there is no significant risk to human health, and that Newcastle Disease is not related to other diseases such as avian influenza. 

You can access detailed information and the latest updates on our website at www.scotland.gov.uk/newcastledisease.

CHARLES MILNE

Chief Veterinary Officer Scotland.

Bluetongue

Dear Colleague

Bluetongue - brief facts

I would like to update you on the current Bluetongue disease situation in North-West Europe, and ask for your help in ensuring that we remain vigilant for the disease in the UK. Bluetongue is an insect-borne (Culicoides midge) viral disease which affects all ruminants, such as cattle, goat, deer and, in particular, sheep.

The disease is controlled by surveillance zones of up to 150km radius in which the movements of ruminants are restricted - it is therefore possible that further outbreaks on the continent could lead to parts of the UK being included in a continental surveillance zone. 

Current Situation

Over the past month, Bluetongue has been found in the Netherlands, Belgium, in parts of Western Germany and in areas of Northern France. New outbreaks of recent infection continue to be reported. Competent midge vectors are known to exist in Great Britain and we are at risk of introduction of disease.

Clinical signs

Cattle: Although Bluetongue usually causes no apparent illness in cattle or goats, in the current European outbreak, clinical signs have been observed in cattle. These have included nasal discharge, swelling and ulceration of the mouth and swollen teats.

Sheep: Symptomsmay include: fever, swelling of the head and neck, lameness, haemorrhages in the skin and other tissues, respiratory problems, and a high mortality rate. Rarely, there may be some discolouration and swelling of the tongue.

How you can help

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. Be vigilant - if you suspect disease then you should report it to your local Animal Health Office. Raising awareness of the current disease situation with your clients is vital; it is important that people know what they need to look out for.

I will continue to keep you updated with any major developments.

With kind regards

FRED LANDEG
Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer