 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Farm - 'About Bluetongue' - A report on the meeting held in Scotland on 22nd February 2008 |
||
|
|
|
| 'About Bluetongue' was the first
public meeting to be arranged in the Borders of Scotland to give farmers
and others who are interested, the chance to learn more about the
disease Bluetongue.
I understand meetings had been arranged for members or clients by the NFUS and a local veterinary practice, respectively, and we hope more similar meetings will be arranged soon in other parts of Scotland. Please see the What's On? page). Chaired by Frank Langrish, the Chairman of the Wool Marketing Board, the first speaker he introduced was Dr. Daan Dercksen from Holland. Daan works for a commercial company in Holland, which is similar to what used to be the State Veterinary Service in the UK. (www.gddeventer.com) He was the first vet to diagnose Bluetongue in that country in 2006. Having seen the disease spread over the months since then, he has a very wide experience of the diagnosis, treatment and recovery that can be achieved in some cases. As he said, Bluetongue came 'out of the blue' to Holland and though appearing mild in the early days and during the first year, the disease has caused devastation to their sheep, goat and cattle industries since then. Since late 2007, Daan has visited other European Countries and the UK to share what he has learned about Bluetongue over the past two years. His presentation illustrated various stages of the disease in the affected livestock and included illustrations of other diseases that may be mistaken for Bluetongue making it difficult to diagnose. Especially as infected cattle sometimes show no symptoms but if they become infected are a huge reservoir for the virus. They provide a preferable blood meal for the female midges who then become infected and fly away to infect more livestock, transmitting the virus via their salivary glands. When infected, the sheep and goats can suffer great distress, with high fevers, swollen heads, lesions in the mouth and very sore feet sometimes rendering them unable to stand with muscle damage. Udders can become sore and milk yield and fertility falls or fails completely. In some cases it can take perhaps more than a year before full recovery is achieved. Death or abortions can occur and of course, sometimes of course, the poor animal's destruction is necessary, for welfare reasons. Dr Dercksen stressed the importance of what he termed, 'loving care' and good animal husbandry, although he recognized the fact that farming in the UK can be very different and it is not always possible when farmers have thousands of sheep, especially those scattered on the hills in Scotland and Wales. |
| He paid tribute to the work done by the
Veterinary Laboratory at Pirbright, who we have to remember is a world
reference laboratory but whose bad press following the escape of FMD virus from
the facility at Pirbright last year was probably undeserved.
He illustrated the likely spread of the disease in the UK by showing us the predictive map, modelled and produced by Pirbright, following their studies of Bluetongue disease spread in Europe and used in their presentations to farmers in England. As you can see it estimates the disease could reach Scotland by October this year. It certainly focused our thoughts very seriously. (please see: BTV Vaccines for Pirbright's presentation in full - NB. A large file - .pdf 5245.05KB 5370929 bytes). Daan said he is much relieved that the production of vaccine is on the way and hopes we will get delivery of the batches ordered in time to prevent a widespread outbreak of the disease in the UK. Also stressing the importance of vaccination in areas such as Scotland, which are, at present, free of Bluetongue, as far as we know! |
 |
|
As for Holland, they have been so badly affected by the virus in 2007, many of their animals that have survived the disease, will have their own immunity and their new-borns will have some maternal immunity for a few weeks after birth but will need to be vaccinated, as will animals in their uninfected areas. As I knew, Daan Dercksen has a very
good sense of humour, I was not disappointed when he raised a laugh from the audience, after describing the 'hill farms' in Holland as
sixty metres His presentation was followed by the virologist Dr. Ruth Watkins. Describing and explaining the virus, antibodies and the differences between 'live' and 'killed' (inactivated) vaccines, in a lively and most entertaining way. Who would have thought 'the science of virology' could be so much fun? Illustrating her talk with the use of a shimmering purple football and some hazel twigs, it was so easy to understand how the virus replicates, destroys cells and antibodies are produced etc. Although it may not have quite the 'sparkle' that was engendered by the use of her props at the time, I have published her talk in full and you may read it for yourself if you - click here! Dr Watkins also stressed the importance of vaccination and recommends aiming to vaccinate 100% of the susceptible farmed livestock. The risks for Scotland include the wild deer population, also susceptible to the disease and impossible to vaccinate. Nevertheless she believes it would be possible to eradicate the disease if we carry out a thorough vaccination policy. Dr. Watkins also stressed the need to 'change the rules', suggesting Scotland could lead the way in Europe if allowed to vaccinate in a disease free area. We have to remember there are other countries like ours that are just as vulnerable as we are. George Milne, the development officer and Regional Secretary for the National Sheep Association, Scotland, was the next to take the floor and soon gave us all some very good news! He had come from a Stakeholder's meeting where it had been discussed and decided to recommend ordering enough vaccine, twelve million doses, for all the susceptible livestock in Scotland. (An announcement to this effect is likely following the next Stakeholder's meeting on 7th March). Meanwhile they are continuing their talks with DEFRA and the EU in the hope that changes can be made so that when the vaccine becomes available to us, we can use it in the most sensible and efficient way for our livestock's protection. He expects an announcement will be made in March following their next meeting. He also explained the importance of being able to enjoy the benefits of trade while Scotland remained a disease free area. Dr. James Irvine, kindly representing
the National Beef
Association, then spoke for just a
few minutes, as
he was only too aware that time was running out and questions from the
audience were
probably waiting to be answered! His words were very wise, although
brief. He endorsed the opinions of the previous
speakers and had no hesitation in expressing his very grave concern for his
own cattle. Insisting that we should be protecting all our livestock
with the BTv8 vaccine as soon as
possible and preferably, before the arrival of the virus in Scotland becomes
apparent. The questions. I did not make notes of them all but suffice it to say, all the questions were extremely relevant and the answers from all the panel must have clarified any misunderstandings or doubts in our minds as to the best way to combat this disease. Further discussion included the strong belief that a change to the EU rules was necessary, to allow trade of vaccinated stock, which should be highly valued among all the Member States and therefore as close as possible to 100% vaccination, should be our aim within the European Community. Concern was also expressed that not enough vaccine has been ordered for England or Wales to date, even though the Bluetongue Protection Zones seem to be extending almost daily. Among those who did ask questions, was a reporter
who told me he represented the Farmer's Guardian. The audience was remarkably small and surprisingly, less than 50% of those who had reserved a place, failed to attend. However, there were a few others who just turned up and of course they were very welcome. In fact, I was told there were almost more vets in the audience than farmers! I only hope is that the information received,
will have been helpful to all those who were there. If anyone is holding a similar meeting and would like it advertised on this web site, please let me know, preferably via e-Mail to info@farmtalking.com Jane Barribal - 23rd February 2008 |
| A report on this meeting also appears in the - |  |
Click on the logo! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
