HELTH NEWS

Agriculture. Bluetongue in the Pyrenees New measures Precautionary In the Ariege in the Pyrenees-Atlantiques, Gers the Hautes-Pyrenees through the Haute-Garonne, all departments that are affected little by little by Bluetongue. Also called the disease of the blue tongue, it is detected across the Pyrenees. The launch Prefectures vaccinations mandatory and optional, depending on the animals. Pyrénéesinfo reported on the latest decisions taken on this disease. Several cases of bluetongue serotype 1 have been recently confirmed in the department of Pyrenees-Atlantiques, Landes, Haute-Garonne, Ariège. This situation demonstrates the interest there was to launch the vaccination against the serotype since 1 April 2008 in the Hautes-Pyrenees, and the need for holders of ruminants (cattle, sheep, goats ...) d ' be vigilant and report immediately any suspicious symptoms to their vet. The main symptoms to attract attention are: fever, swelling and congestion in the head, flows and ulcers in the nose and mouth, lameness, reproductive disorders and loss of milk. The disease is more serious for sheep, for which mortality may relate 5 to 20% of animals affected. Since the launch of this vaccination, the Hautes-Pyrenees are classified as restricted zone vis-à-vis this serotype. This means that the output of cattle, sheep and goats to parts of the territory free french serotype 1 is subject to any of the following conditions: vaccination against the serotype 1 from more than 60 days, or vaccination against the serotype 1 and test virological negative made at least 30 days after the second injection, or disinsection for over 14 days and virologic test negative, or disinsection for over 28 days and negative serology (in the case of animals not yet vaccinated because of their young age). Only animals that meet one of the first two conditions can be shipped to Italy and Spain. Moreover, in all cases, a disinsectisation must be carried out. Exceptions exist for some animals (animals destined for immediate slaughter, animals less than thirty days for fattening, return transhumance). The new cases occurred in neighbouring departments lead the rankings on 23 August 2008 a part of the Hautes-Pyrenees in "forbidden perimeter" means cantons of Castelnau-Magnoac, Maule-Barousse, Ossun, Saint Lawrence Neste and Vic in Bigorre. It contained no additional restrictions on movements of animals, but steps disinfestation ruminants, on veterinary prescription, must be taken in these areas. The serotype 8: Hautes-Pyrenees, Pyrenees-Atlantiques, Gers and Landes a restricted zone The Hautes-Pyrenees, as well as the Pyrenees-Atlantiques, Gers and Landes, fall from 23 August 2008 in the restricted zone vis-à-vis the serotype 8 of bluetongue (also known as FCO or "disease of the Blue Tongue "), which was already part of the remaining french continental territory. These four departments were already regulated vis-à-vis the serotype 1 of this disease. This passage zone will begin vaccination. This vaccination is mandatory for cattle and sheep to be shipped to countries requiring such vaccination, particularly Italy and Spain. It is optional for other animals susceptible species (cattle, sheep, goats). The vaccination consists of two injections at three week intervals for cattle, a single injection for sheep. Vaccination against the serotype 8 can be performed at the same time as that against the serotype 1, which is mandatory in all cases for cattle and sheep (and optional, but strongly recommended, for goats). The vaccines are funded by the European Union. The act of vaccination by veterinarians is partly at the expense of farmers, and partially supported by the state and the European Union. In cases where immunization is compulsory, the rate of this act of vaccination is in the Hautes-Pyrenees of HT € 25.62 per visit of livestock, plus 1.65 € HT by cattle vaccination and € 0.55 per HT sheep vaccinated (that vaccination concerns serotype 8, 1 or 1 and 8). In the case where vaccination is optional, the fare is not regulated. In all cases (vaccination compulsory or voluntary), the assumption by the State and the European Union amounts to 50% of these costs, but shall not exceed 2 € per animal vaccinated for each serotype by 0.75 € sheep or goats vaccinated for each serotype. Cattle vaccinated will be shipped to Italy or Spain more than 60 days after the second injection of vaccine, this period may be reduced if a virologic test with negative results is carried out at least 36 days after the second injection. Farmers affected by this vaccination should contact their vet. They must also contact their veterinarian at all suspicious symptoms found on one of their animals. It is recalled that this disease affects ruminant animals, but it poses no risk to human health, nor by consumption of food or by contact with animals. For further information, persons concerned may contact the departmental directorate of veterinary services des Hautes-Pyrenees (05 62 44 56 00), the association Pyrenees fight against animal diseases (05 62 93 52 44), the Board of agriculture (05 62 34 66 74) or their vet. The Haute-Garonne also affected Several suspected case of "bluetongue" (FCO) have been detected by the network veterinary supervision in the department of Haute-Garonne in cattle and sheep. The FCO is a viral disease that affects ruminants (sheep, cattle and goats in particular). It is transmitted by a midge which contaminates the animals in the piquant. This disease does not affect humans and has absolutely no impact on the quality of food. Its consequences are economical because of declining production and the obstacle to export it engenders. It is caused by a virus which there are currently 24 different serotypes, two of which are present in France. Since August 2006, a number of countries of Northern Europe but also France are faced with the disease in relation to the spread of a virus belonging to serotype 8 (15 566 cases reported in France during the year 2007). The virus serotype 8 was totally unknown on the continent before, while others virus serotypes remained limited in some areas of southern Europe (Italy, Spain, Portugal, Corsica). Since November 2007, a virus so far this serotype 1 in areas in southern Spain and southern Portugal has been spread so brutal in northern Spain and then in the departments of Pyrenees-Atlantiques and Landes (3 cases reported in these two departments in 2007). The fight against the FCO is mainly based on two types of measures: -- Measures to prevent the activity of midge vector limiting areas that can accommodate (including moist places around the barn for spawning and development of midge larvae) and conducting a regular disinfection of animals and livestock buildings. -- Animal protection through vaccination against the serotypes or viruses that infect them. Since April 2008, a nationwide campaign to vaccinate cattle, sheep and goats against the virus serotype 8 was initiated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. As a concomitant, a campaign to vaccinate cattle, sheep and goats against the virus serotype 1 was conducted in departments where the virus was likely to be present. However, these measures have not avoided, since May 2008, an upturn virus type 8 (5091 cases to 14 August 2008) but also virus type 1 (28 cases to 14 August 2008) . It should be noted that these cases relate only to non-vaccinated animals: vaccination is therefore an effective management strategies. Following suspicions clinics, the first laboratory results confirm the presence of the virus responsible for the disease in 4 farms in the Haute-Garonne. The virus in question is serotype 1. The analyses in other farms suspects are underway. Upon confirmation of these first cases, a crisis cell was meeting in prefecture Thursday, August 21, 2008, outlining the measures to be put in place to limit the spread of this disease. -- Designation by the Prefect of an area 20 km radius around the confirmed cases in which animals susceptible species will be systematically disinsected, as well as buildings and means of transport, with confinement of sick animals. This area will be complemented by an area 70 km around confirmed cases to be defined by the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries published in the Official Gazette of 22 August 2008. Within these two areas, animals susceptible species will be subject to restrictions of movements aimed at preventing the spread of this virus. -- Establishment of an emergency vaccination campaign against the virus serotype 1 to allow an early resumption of cattle trade with Italy and Spain. Indeed, these countries accept the parties to free their territory that animals properly vaccinated. Because of the vaccine protocol (two injections at three week intervals followed by a period of 60 days minimum), such exchanges will not resume better than the end of 2008. The vaccines will be available in about ten days for the entire herd sheep, cattle and goats departments restricted areas, including the Haute-Garonne. Accompanying measures economic breeders will be introduced by the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Fund (relief expenses, compensation for losses mortality) plus other health and social aid. The continuation of aid to keeping animals on the farm is under consideration to the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries. The minister confirmed on August 12 last financial participation by the State for the double vaccination against the serotype 1 and 8 in nine departments. The principle of this support is in force in the new zone. The vaccination will be reassessed to take into account the evolution of the disease. The Ariège happening in prohibited area BTV1 Fifty suspected cases of "bluetongue were detected over the last eight days by the veterinary surveillance network in the department of Ariege. Bluetongue only affects ruminants. It does not affect humans and therefore does not concern for the population. Animal products, meat and milk, do not pose a risk to consumers. The first laboratory results show the presence of the virus in twelve farms, of which four were confirmed as belonging to SeroType 1 (BTV1). Meanwhile, four homes were also confirmed in the south of the Haute-Garonne, leaving prejudge the evolution of a primary home located in the Couserans. The bluetongue (FCO), also known as "disease of the blue tongue", is a viral disease that affects only ruminants. It raging in Europe since August 2006 in its variety BTV8. This SeroType was totally unknown on the continent before, while others SeroTypes remained limited to the countries of North Africa and to some extent Spain (SerotTypes 1 and 4). The disease causes swelling and congestion of the face, feet and udders, leading to major production cuts and abortions. Inflammation and ulceration of the mucous membranes causing watery eyes, then, drying and jetage, with accumulation of scabs around the mouth. The animals have a high fever, pain on movement, maigrissent and mortality can reach up to 30% in sheep. The disease is not transmitted directly from animal to animal, but through small bites from midges of the Culicoides family, whose proliferation is important in late summer. These insects ingest the virus by pricking a sick animal and then send then stick to healthy animals. The wind plays an important role in spreading the disease carrying vectors passively infected. Prevention is based on two possibilities: the fight against the midge and fight against the virus. Since June 24, 2008, a preventive vaccination campaign for sheep and cattle against the SeroType 8 (27 000 outbreaks of infection over the entire territory) was underway, but that does not protect animals against the SeroType 1 (supposed quartered the departments of moorland and the Pyrenees-Atlantiques since only six cases were counted). The fight against the midges based on the application of persistent insecticides on animals, at intervals of about three weeks, and the maintenance of the surroundings, avoiding damp places laying insects. The infected animals must be confined if possible, especially during periods of high activity of midges (dawn and dusk), with a strengthened protection insecticide. Although the full results are not yet available, a crisis cell was held in prefecture Thursday, August 21, 2008, outlining the measures to be put in place to limit the spread of this disease. • Establishment of protective measures at all the department becomes high perimeter surveillance, in which animals should be systematically disinsected, as well as buildings and means of transport, with confinement of sick animals. • Identification of all animals, including sheep "clippers" private non-breeders, for strengthening of veterinary surveillance network and implementation of measures for any new operation in question. • Establishment of an emergency vaccination campaign BTV1. Apart from the direct losses caused by the disease, indirect losses can already be described as very worrying for the economy of these farms since the passage zone will lead to the minimum ban on export to Italy All weanlings ariégeois during the fall, why economic partners were invited to this meeting. Accompanying measures economic breeders will be introduced by the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Fund (relief expenses, compensation for loss by death or euthanasia) plus other health and social aid. The continuation of aid to the maintenance of animals on the farm is under consideration at the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.