Bluetongue Serotype 1.

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A decison made (05/02/2009) regarding: Bluetongue Serotype 1.

Decision Reference: MD-PE-2009-0018
Decision Summary Title	Bluetongue serotype 1 Declaration of Protection Zone and implementation of voluntary vaccination		Date of Decision Summary:	9 January 2009
Decision Summary Author:	States Veterinary Officer		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt?	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Written		Person Giving Oral Report:
Written Report Title	Bluetongue Serotype 1 Declaration of Protection Zone		Date of Written Report:	9 January 2009
Written Report Author:	States Veterinary Officer		Written Report : Public or Exempt?	Public
Subject: Bluetongue Serotype 1
Decision(s): The Assistant Minister for Planning and Environment declared Jersey a Protection Zone for Bluetongue serotype 1 and permit voluntary vaccination.
Reason(s) for Decision: To enable livestock keepers to vaccinate their livestock and comply with EU legislation on animal health.
Resource Implications: None
Action required: States Veterinary Officer to arrange declaration of Bluetongue serotype 1 Protection Zone in Jersey Gazette when vaccine is available.
Signature: Deputy Anne Pryke		Position: Assistant Minister for Planning and Environment
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):

Bluetongue Serotype 1.

PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT DEPARTMENT

ENVIRONMENT DIVISION

Bluetongue Serotype 1 Declaration of Protection Zone

(Public)

Purpose of the Report

To demonstrate requirement to institute voluntary vaccination policy against the notifiable disease, Bluetongue serotype 1, to achieve high standards of animal health and welfare and comply with EU legislation.

Background

Bluetongue is a vector-borne virus disease of sheep, goats and cattle with 24 distinct serotypes. The disease was first diagnosed in mainland Europe in 1998. It is transmitted by biting midges of the species Culicoides which are present in Jersey.

Bluetongue serotype 1 has been spreading northwards since first confirmed in Spain in 2007. In 2007 the disease spread from Spain into south west France. By the end of November 2008, 4339 cases were confirmed in mainland France, including cases in Brittany. In order to co-operate with France and comply with Commission Decision 1266/2007, Jersey should be declared a Protection Zone to enable vaccination against bluetongue serotype 1

Discussion

To control disease caused by serotype 1, France have declared their whole territory a Protection Zone and instituted a vaccination policy. As a consequence of the declaration, free movement of livestock from known infected areas to all parts of France, including part of the territory nearest Jersey is permitted. Midges which transmit disease can be windborne over distances of 100-200km and it is recognised unvaccinated Jersey livestock are vulnerable to infection.

Since May 2008, livestock keepers in Jersey have successfully vaccinated their susceptible animals against bluetongue serotype 8. There is no cross immunity between bluetongue serotypes, therefore, to protect the island’s livestock, vaccination against the new threat from serotype 1 vaccination is required. The recommendation to vaccinate on a voluntary basis is supported by the Royal Jersey Agriculture and Horticulture Society and local large animal veterinary surgeons.

Conclusion

It is EU policy and law, to permit vaccination in Protection Zones (PZs) only. PZs are declared over a large area taking into account the vector biology. Vaccination has been carried out against serotype 8 in Jersey since May 2008 and has successfully protected herds and flocks from this disease. The threat from serotype 1 has emerged and vaccination against this serotype should now be permitted in addition to vaccination against serotype 8.

Recommendation

In accordance with European Communities Legislation (Bluetongue) (Jersey) Regulations 2008, the Minister is recommended to declare a Protection Zone for Bluetongue serotype 1 in accordance with Regulation 3 (1) of Regulations.

Written by: States Veterinary Officer

Approved by: Director of Environment

Ministerial Decision ref: MD-PE-2009-0018

9 January 2009