The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture is working with the farming community to ensure that proportionate restrictions are in place for Bluetongue.
Concerns of bluetongue are heightened as cases of the disease are building in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Two suspected cases of bluetongue virus were recently identified and confirmed in a County Down cattle herd, and its suspected in a further 44 cattle.
There is also a suspected case of bluetongue in Northern Ireland, with many Northern Irish farmers concerned about how they can protect their herds if the disease spreads.
Bluetongue
Bluetongue is a viral disease that affects sheep, cattle, and goats, and is transmitted by Culicoides biting midges.
It is not contagious between animals and does not pose a risk to humans or food safety.
Culicoides biting midges also carries the Schmallenberg virus (SBC), a disease that can cause congenital malformations and stillbirths in farm animals such as cattle, sheep and goats.
Unlike bluetongue, SBV is not a notifiable animal disease.
Restrictions in Place
In a statement to Manx.News, a spokesperson for DEFA said: “This means that any identified cases do not need to be reported to the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA), and positive cases would not affect trade.
“While SBV and Bluetongue are both spread by Culicoides biting midges, they are separate diseases with different symptoms and impacts.
“The Isle of Man currently remains free of Bluetongue. DEFA’s Animal Health team continues to work closely with the farming community to raise awareness and to ensure that proportionate restrictions are in place.”
