Blue Tongue Precautions
5th September 2024
Organisers of the NSA Wales & Border Main Ram Sale say they have all contingencies in place with regard to fears over Blue Tongue.
The disease is currently contained in the East of England, an area of low stock density. There are no consignors coming from the area and little risk. Blue Tongue is a contagious disease, but there is NO sheep to sheep transmission, although there is local transmission of the virus by midges.
NSA Wales & Border Ram Sales veterinary surgeon Angus Wyse says: “All sheep presented at the Main Sale are coming from well away from the restricted zone. This may change of course, but even so there are significant distances involved. “All our sheep are subject to inspection and all inspectors and vets at the Main Sale have been briefed on the correct identification of the symptoms of the disease. At present we are very confident and there seem to be no concerns.”
Note: The NSA Wales & Border Main Sale will take place at the Royal Welsh Showground on Monday 23rd September
Sent by gaina@gainamorganmedia 07872823366
More information available from the National Sheep Association https://nationalsheep.org.uk/our-work/news/current-nsa-updates-on-bluetongue/