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	va1-sg19016.securesites.net

	version=3.1.8



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Bluetongue cases almost doubled

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The number of confirmed cases of bluetongue in East Anglia have 

almost doubled since the weekend [29-30 Sep 2007]. The total has now 

risen to 20 confirmed cases, from just 11 on Saturday [29 Sep 2007]. 

This includes 11 cases of the midge-borne virus on farms in Suffolk 



Of those cases, 10 are of the same strain found on farms close to 

Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm, near Ipswich, the source of the 1st infection.



Richard Storer, who runs Baylham House has had to put down 2 of his 

rare-breed cattle.



We are working for a long-term approach because bluetongue is here 

for a long time Brian Finnerty, National Farmers' Union., "Of the 

animals tested by government vets last Saturday only one billy goat 

has proved positive," he said. "Physically he has nothing wrong with 

him so we will keep an eye on him and if there are any signs of 

illness we will have to put him down."



Mr Storer's farm is due to reopen to the public on Saturday [6 Oct 2007].



"This is a disease we are going to have to live with for some time so 

the sooner we get a vaccine the better," he added.



"We are still urging farmers to be vigilant and to keep a close eye 

on livestock and to let the authorities know straight away if they 

suspect infection. We are working for a long-term approach because 

bluetongue is here for a long time."



Bluetongue control-and-protect zones were put in place on Sunday [30 

Sep 2007] following confirmation of the 11 infection cases. The new 

zone comprises parts of Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire.



The zone also includes London and parts of Lincolnshire, 

Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire, Kent, 

Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Berkshire, Surrey and Sussex.



There have been "unconfirmed cases" in Norfolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire.



Animals with the disease experience discomfort, with flu-like 

symptoms, and swelling and haemorrhaging in and around the mouth and 

nose. They can also go lame and have difficulty eating.



--



[We can expect the number of cases to ramp up very quickly if the 

shape of the epidemic curve demonstrated on the continent this summer 

holds true to for this outbreak and there is no reason to expect any 

change, unfortunately.



Since clinical signs are mentioned in the article, those wanting to 



Another good source, Iowa State University Center for Food Security 



The incubation period for bluetongue is 5-20 days. In sheep, the 

clinical signs may include fever, excessive salivation, depression, 

dyspnea and panting. The muzzle, lips and ears are hyperemic and the 

lips and tongue may be very swollen. The head and ears may also be 

edematous. Initially, animals have a clear nasal discharge; later, 

the discharge becomes mucopurulent and dries to a crust around the 

nostrils. Pregnant ewes infected during the first trimester may 





It is instructive to compare the size of the bluetongue control areas 

and those pertaining to Foot and Mouth Disease. - Mod.PC]



....................pc/ejp/mpp