{"id":54777,"date":"2025-01-23T11:12:02","date_gmt":"2025-01-23T11:12:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.innovationnewsnetwork.com\/?p=54777"},"modified":"2025-01-23T11:12:02","modified_gmt":"2025-01-23T11:12:02","slug":"bluetongue-virus-restrictions-ease-as-we-enter-low-period","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.innovationnewsnetwork.com\/bluetongue-virus-restrictions-ease-as-we-enter-low-period\/54777\/","title":{"rendered":"Bluetongue virus restrictions ease as we enter \u2018low period\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"
Due to a decrease in temperature, midge activity is lower, with midges not actively feeding, meaning there is a very low risk of new bluetongue virus infections from biting midges.<\/p>\n
As a result, some restrictions currently in place to mitigate the spread of the disease will be eased.<\/p>\n
These include removing the requirements for post-movement testing of animals out of the Restricted Zone, using insecticide on transport vehicles, and sending animals moving outside of the Restricted Zone for slaughter to designated abattoirs.<\/p>\n
As a precautionary measure, the Restricted Zone currently in place across affected regions along the east and south coast of England will remain whilst discussions with industry continue on the next steps to combat bluetongue virus.<\/p>\n
Bluetongue virus, which affects sheep, cattle and other ruminants, is a viral disease spread by biting midges, which affects all ruminants.<\/p>\n
Some breeds of sheep are particularly susceptible to bluetongue infection and show severe clinical signs of the virus. Disease severity varies with the strain of the virus and by the individual animal, breed, and species.<\/p>\n