May 11, 2007

bluetongue virus – a threat to UK livestock?

Speakers:
Prof Philip Mellor, Head, Dept of Arbovirology & OIE international
John Gloster, Principle Research Scientist, Met Office
Catherine McLaughlin, Policy Adviser on Animal Health and Welfare, National Farmers Union

Bluetongue virus is a devastating disease of sheep and cattle, which has typically been associated with the warmer Mediterranean areas. However, farmers in the UK are worried that outbreaks in northern Europe in 2006 may be a sign that the virus will arrive on our shores in the near future. Experts briefed journalists on the threat of a possible bluetongue outbreak in the UK.