Researchers want input from farmers on bluetongue risk
FARMERS are being asked to contribute their views on the introduction of the highly contagious bluetongue virus into Scotland and how the industry might respond.
Researchers at The James Hutton Institute, in Aberdeen, are reaching out to livestock farmers to gather insights on the risk of the disease in Great Britain that could form future management strategies.
Until recently, GB had been free of bluetongue, a notifiable insect-borne viral disease affecting sheep, cattle, and other ruminants.
However, new cases emerged in late 2023 and early 2024.
The UK’s Animal and Plant Health
Agency (APHA) has indicated a ‘very high probability’ of the virus being reintroduced into England, Wales, and Scotland going into the summer season.
The UK’s chief vet has warned vets and farmers to be extremely vigilant, highlighting that higher temperatures and increased rainfall create ideal conditions for the biting midges that spread the disease, thereby increasing the risk to livestock.
The researchers from JHI want to hear from sheep and cattle keepers about this emerging risk to help them assess any assess and inform policy makers in decision making when dealing with the disease.
Their goal is to assess the situation comprehensively and provide valuable information to policymakers for effective disease management.
It is important to note that bluetongue does not pose a risk to humans or food safety.
To facilitate the research, a brief, anonymous survey has been created. It takes approximately 10 minutes to complete, and for each survey submitted, £5 will be donated to a selected farming charity.
Farmers can participate by accessing the online survey via hutton.ac.uk.
This research initiative is funded by the Scottish Government through Scotland’s Centre of Expertise on Animal Disease Outbreaks (EPIC).