The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has detailed the steps involved for livestock keepers reporting suspected bluetongue, following a recent sharp rise in cases. This increase has led to a higher volume of reports and samples being submitted for testing.
Bluetongue is classified as a notifiable disease, meaning there is a legal obligation for livestock keepers to report any suspicions to APHA. This is crucial for disease surveillance and control, enabling confirmation of the disease, identification of the strain, and ruling out other conditions like foot and mouth disease.
Upon reporting, an APHA veterinarian conducts an initial assessment based on clinical signs. If bluetongue is suspected, sampling requirements vary by location. In England, eligible keepers can arrange for their private vet to collect blood samples, with lab fees covered by APHA. In Wales, the Welsh Government funds official investigations, sampling, and testing. For Scotland, APHA carries out on-site investigations and takes samples at no cost to the keeper.
Samples are then sent to The Pirbright Institute for testing. Negative results are communicated directly by Pirbright, while positive results for a notifiable disease must be reported to and confirmed by APHA, potentially extending the return time. The entire process, including postal times, may take up to two weeks.