THE PROBLEM/ISSUE:
Concerns regarding the safety of food
THE ADVICE:
Bluetongue has no safety implications for the human food chain and does not affect humans. Meat and milk are safe to eat and there is no danger to food handlers.
Bluetongue is an animal disease which can affect sheep, cattle, deer and goats. However it can not be transmitted between animal and is transmitted by midges. The animal movement restrictions currently in place are to reduce the risk of spread of the disease by the movement of infected animals that are subsequently bitten by midges.
Bluetongue has not been seen in the UK before and tests carried out by Department of Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has confirmed that it is the same as the one circulating in parts of northern Europe since August 2006.
WHERE TO OBTAIN MORE INFORMATION:
Client Service - Perry Scott Nash Associates
Food Standards Agency Web site - www.food.gov.uk
DATE ISSUED: 26 SEPTEMBER 2007
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