HOT ON the heels of last month's Bluetongue alert, the disease has once again been detected in Great Britain, this time in sheep imported from France.

Post import testing of the four sheep, imported to a property in Lancashire, revealed the presence of the virus, and the animals have since been humanely culled.

Last month, two cattle imported from France to Yorkshire met the same fate, prompting top vets to remind farmers that sourcing livestock from overseas should not be done without due care and attention.

This week's fresh case on mainland Britain prompted Northern Ireland’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Robert Huey, to urge all the province's herd and flock keepers to source animals responsibly and be aware of the risks associated with importing animals from bluetongue affected areas.

Dr. Huey said: “Bluetongue does not pose a threat to human health or food safety, but can severely impact farming productivity on affected premises. While it is reassuring that the UK’s stringent post-import checks and robust disease surveillance procedures have again been effective, this second finding of the virus in recent weeks is a further reminder to farmers of the need to remain vigilant and highlights the risks of importing animals from disease-affected areas into their herds.”

Dr. Huey added: “Anyone who imports from Bluetongue affected countries or zones faces the possibility that if the imported animals are subsequently found to be infected with Bluetongue, then they will be slaughtered and no compensation will be paid.”

APHA is working closely with the livestock keeper affected to ensure that swift action is taken to prevent spread of the disease, with movement restrictions at the affected premises, targeted surveillance and the humane culling of animals. As such, the UK remains officially bluetongue-free and exports are not affected.