A case of Bluetongue virus (BTV) has been confirmed within Westmorland and Furness.
So far, the positive case relates to one sheep which was moved to a farm within Westmorland and Furness from an area where the disease is now known to be circulating.
The farm is under restriction and the infected animal has been culled. Further testing will be undertaken to ensure there has been no local transmission.
Bluetongue does not affect humans and therefore there is no public health risk.
Bluetongue is a notifiable disease and must be reported by law. You are not permitted to move any animal showing signs of infection. If you detect signs of the disease in an animal, you must report it to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).
The disease affects ruminants (such as sheep, cattle, goats, and deer) and camelids (llamas and alpacas). It does not affect horses or pigs. Clinical signs vary across susceptible species, but include fever, lesions, redness of the mouth, eyes, nose, reddening of the skin above the hoof, excessive salivation, and nasal discharge.
Some animals may show few or no clinical signs. BTV is mainly spread by adult-infected midges biting an animal susceptible to the disease. Infected midges can spread locally and more widely in certain temperatures and wind conditions.
Tracey Ingham, Assistant Director of Safe and Strong Communities at Westmorland and Furness Council, said: “We’re asking all livestock owners and farmers in the area to remain vigilant and look out for symptoms of the Bluetongue virus in their animals. If you do see signs, even if it’s only one animal, please report it via the APHA so they can investigate and limit the spread to other animals.
“As far as public health is concerned, there’s no risk to human health or food safety, so residents do not need to be concerned.”
Find out more information and how to report bluetongue by visiting www.gov.uk/bluetongue