DEFRA finds new bluetongue type in imported cattle

The U.K. Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) today announced the detection of bluetongue serotype 1 (BTV1) in five imported cattle on a premises near Blackpool in Lancashire, U.K.

The animals originated from within the BTV1 & 8 Restricted Zone in southwest France and were detected as a result of post-import testing carried out by DEFRA on all bluetongue-susceptible animals arriving from continental Europe. The animals’ documentation complied with the European Union bluetongue rules governing the movement of livestock as the movement occurred at least 60 days after they had been vaccinated.