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The bluetongue virus has been detected in Scotland, in 10 imported cattle from France. The cattle carrying the virus were detected by the Animal and Plant Agency in Scotland through its post-import testing regime.
The virus is spread by flying insects or through the importation of cattle carrying the virus.
While the insects can be active up to December, Conor Geraghty of XL vets in Co Galway told the Irish Farmers Journal that the risk of the disease making its way to Ireland is very low at present.
“The only real risk to us (Ireland) is through the importation of cattle from areas in France where there are outbreaks,” Geraghty said.
“If farmers are importing cattle they need to be very sure that they have gone through a proper vaccination programme before leaving France and then they must adhere to the proper quarantine process here too.”
All animals imported from or transiting through countries restricted for bluetongue are blood tested for the virus and the antibody, within seven days of arrival in Ireland.
The bluetongue virus poses no threat to human health but can have big consequences on the heath of cattle, sheep, deer and goats.
Symptoms of the virus in cattle include depression, conjunctivitis or red eyes, nasal discharge, erosion of the tissue around the nostrils and reddening of the udder.
Parts of France, Italy, Spain and eastern Europe are the most prevalent areas for the bluetongue virus.
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