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Local farmers on bluetongue alert | Local farmers on bluetongue alert |
(1 day later) | |
Farmers in Northern Ireland have been urged to remain vigilant after bluetongue disease was found in a cow in Suffolk. | Farmers in Northern Ireland have been urged to remain vigilant after bluetongue disease was found in a cow in Suffolk. |
The insect-borne virus, which has killed livestock across Europe, was in a Highland cow on a farm near Ipswich. | The insect-borne virus, which has killed livestock across Europe, was in a Highland cow on a farm near Ipswich. |
It was the first case in the UK of the disease, which poses no risk to humans but can prove fatal to livestock. | It was the first case in the UK of the disease, which poses no risk to humans but can prove fatal to livestock. |
The Department of Agriculture said farmers should regularly inspect their animals for signs of the disease. | The Department of Agriculture said farmers should regularly inspect their animals for signs of the disease. |
Northern Ireland's ports remain closed to livestock from Great Britain following recent foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks which have already left the farming industry reeling. | Northern Ireland's ports remain closed to livestock from Great Britain following recent foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks which have already left the farming industry reeling. |
BLUETONGUE IN CATTLE DroolingSwelling of the head and neckConjunctivitisSwelling of the mouthSwollen teatsTiredness Q&A: Bluetongue disease Reaction to bluetongue case Bluetongue is not contagious, but is transmitted by the biting Culicoides imicola midge. | |
It is passed from animal to midge, and from midge to animal, but is not transmitted from animal to animal. | It is passed from animal to midge, and from midge to animal, but is not transmitted from animal to animal. |
The virus has long blighted Africa, but in recent years has begun to spread northwards into Europe. | The virus has long blighted Africa, but in recent years has begun to spread northwards into Europe. |
Some scientists believe that climate change could be behind its spread, as warmer temperatures have seen the biting insects gradually move north. | Some scientists believe that climate change could be behind its spread, as warmer temperatures have seen the biting insects gradually move north. |
Once infected, up to 70% of a flock of sheep can die from the virus. | Once infected, up to 70% of a flock of sheep can die from the virus. |
While infected animals can recover - and become immune - productivity is reduced with milk yields in dairy herds dropping by about 40%. | While infected animals can recover - and become immune - productivity is reduced with milk yields in dairy herds dropping by about 40%. |
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