Bluetongue Virus
Bluetongue is a disease of animals affecting all ruminants,
including sheep, cattle, deer, goats and camelids (camels, llamas,
alpacas, guanaco and vicuña).
Although sheep are most severely affected, cattle are the main
carrier of the virus and are very important in the epidemiology of
the disease. It is characterised by changes to the mucous
linings of the mouth and nose and the coronary band of the
foot. Bluetongue is present when it is confirmed by
laboratory tests that the Bluetongue virus (BTV) is circulating in
an area. Bluetongue does not affect humans. For further
information on the virus and related matters follow the link
below.
Defra (Department of the Environment,
Food and Rural Affairs
Avian Flu
Avian flu affects birds. It has been transmitted to
people who work in very close proximity to birds (such as
poultry workers).
If you find one or more dead swans/wild fowl (ducks and geese),
more than three dead birds of the same species or more
than five dead birds of different species, in the same place,
you should contact the Department for the Environment, Food and
Rural Affairs (DEFRA) helpline 08459 335577. Currently the
helpline is available Monday - Friday 8am to 8pm and Saturday -
Sunday 9am to 6pm. You will be asked for details of your
finding and its location.
Seasonal flu
This 'ordinary' flu occurs in the UK population as a matter of
course, usually two or three times per year.
Pandemic Flu
Pandemic flu affecting humans occurs when a new flu virus emerges
which is very different from recently circulating strains.
It could happen if:
- Avian Flu combines with ‘ordinary’ flu or
- the Avian Flu virus mutates and you get a completely new flu
strain that can be transmitted directly from one person to
another.
It has not happened yet but, if it did, it would be a big
problem. Few, if any, people would have any immunity to
a new virus. This would allow it to spread widely
and easily and to cause more serious illness.
Experts predict another pandemic will occur but cannot say exactly
when. Each pandemic is different and, until a virus
starts circulating, it is impossible to predict its full
effect.
Useful links
Department for
the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
Department of
Health