An immediate ban on the live importation of sheep, cattle and goats has been introduced on the Isle of Man due to a rise in cases of bluetongue virus (BTV).
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) confirmed on Sunday (November 26) that a further four cases of bluetongue serotype 3 were identified in cattle on two additional premises, following surveillance within the temporary control zone (TCZ).
These cases were all confirmed in southeast of England within 10km of the initial case that was confirmed earlier this month.
The Isle of Man government said the “precautionary measure” follows the confirmed cases of the disease in the Canterbury area of Kent.
BTV is borne by midges and can reduce milk production and cause infertility in some farm animals, but does not affect humans or food safety.
Isle of Man minister for environment, food and agriculture, Clare Barber, said: “The department is monitoring the situation closely and has moved quickly to safeguard Manx livestock and protect the island’s bluetongue disease free status.
“We have informed the farming community and will continue to advise them of any further developments.”
The island’s chief veterinary officer, Dr. Amy Beckett, said: “It is vitally important that we take decisive action to prevent bluetongue reaching our Island.
“We don’t know how long the restrictions will be in place but we are being kept up-to date by Defra and have already started looking at the potential for pre-import testing, which may allow us to lift the complete ban but only once we have established robust controls.”
The Isle of Man government said around 200 sheep and 100 bovine animals are imported to the island, mainly for breeding purposes, each year.
