Government of Jersey

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A decision made (21/08/2006) regarding Bluetongue.

Subject:	Bluetongue
Decision Reference:	MD-PE-2006-0116		Exempt clause(s):	Public
Type of Report: (oral or written)	Written		Person Giving Report (if oral):	N/A
Telephone or e-mail Meeting?	N/A		Report File ref:
Written report – Title	Bluetongue
Written report – Author (name and job title)	Linda Lowseck, States Veterinary Officer
Decision(s): To approve introduction of legislation making Bluetongue notifiable and introducing powers to take necessary steps to control and eradicate disease in ruminants.
Reason(s) for decision: To require persons in charge of ruminants to notify suspect animal disease and for States of Jersey to control and eradicate disease.
Action required: Instruct Law Draftsmen to implement EU Directive 2000/75 which lays down specific provisions for control and eradication of bluetongue.
Signature: (Minister/ Assistant Minister)		Date of Decision: 21 August 2006

Bluetongue - Notifiable Disease.

PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT DEPARTMENT

Environment Division

[Bluetongue]

Public

Purpose of the Report

To enable States of Jersey to control and eradicate a ruminant disease of economic importance

Background

Bluetongue is a viral disease of ruminants, notifiable in the EU, which causes clinical signs in sheep. Signs are variable depending on virus strain and sheep breed and include lameness, persistent fever, facial oedema, abortion, mortality. Other ruminants e.g. cattle can be symptomless carriers.

Disease is spread by insect vectors.

Discussion

It has been recognised for several years that Bluetongue has been extending beyond the traditional geographical range of infection in Africa. Disease has been confirmed in Corsica, Spain, Greece and the Balkans.

The disease has been recognised in Netherlands on 17 August 2006.

The insect vectors could be blown from mainland Europe to Jersey.

Conclusion

Appropriate legislation required as there is a risk of disease introduction to Jersey

Recommendation

Immediate introduction of legal powers to make Bluetongue notifiable and enable States Veterinary Officer to control and eradicate.

Written by:	Linda Lowseck

Approved by:	Paul le Miere, Director Environmental Management & Rural Economy

18 August 2006

File ref:

Ministerial Decision Case Ref: MD-PE-2006-0116

Attached :

Council Directive 2000/75/EC