The
Dutch ministry of agriculture has imposed an export and
breeding ban on animals susceptible to bluetongue after a possible
new strain of the disease was discovered.
Three animals on different farms in eastern Holland tested
positive for a form of bluetongue which differs from the strain
usually found in the country.
Dutch scientists have begun investigations into whether the
strain is a variant of BTV8, the strain being vaccinated against in
the UK, or new type of the virus.
As a precautionary measure, the Dutch farming minister imposed
an export ban on bluetongue-susceptible animals from yesterday (20
October)
Under the move, which is initially in place for two weeks,
producers are also banned from breeding sheep, cattle and
goats.
The ministry said it would make a further decision over the ban
once more was found out about the strain.
Dutch farming organisation LTO told Farmers Weekly's
sister paper
Boerderij that it supported the export ban.
"Given the pressure from abroad and the worrying situation we
are in because we don't know what is going on, this measure is
appropriate," a spokesman said.
"The measure will cause economic damage, but sometimes there are
larger interests at stake."
