DEPARTMENT FOR
ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS News Release (News Release ref :
391/07) issued by The Government News Network on 30 October 2007
Defra has today
published the first epidemiology report into the Bluetongue
outbreak, based on the situation up to 19 October.
The report concludes that the infection was likely to have been
initially introduced into Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex on the night
of 4/5 August by windborne transmission of infected midges from
continental Europe.
The report also describes the generally low morbidity, mortality
and prevalence rates in infected animals. The majority of infected
premises have only one infected animal and the prevalence is
generally low.
Surveillance and testing are ongoing to gain an understanding of
the geographical extent of the Bluetongue infection and to
determine disease prevalence within herds and flocks.
Notes to editors
1. Further information, including maps of the Bluetongue, can be
found at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/bluetongue
2. The epidemiological report is also published in full at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/bluetongue
3. As at 16:30am on 29 October 2007 there were 60 confirmed
premises affected by Bluetongue. The latest figures on the number
of Bluetongue cases will be updated on a daily basis (Monday to
Friday) on the 'latest situation' page of the Defra
website: http://www.defra.gov.uk/bluetongue
4. Further information is available to farmers via the Defra
helpline (0845 9 335577) and website: http://www.defra.gov.uk
5. Farmers without access to the internet can also call the
Animal Health 24 hour recorded information line (0844 884 4600)
for up-to-date news on the latest developments.
Public enquiries 08459 335577;
Press notices are available on our website http://www.defra.gov.uk
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