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Bluetongue disease hits the UK |
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Written by J Hoye
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Saturday, 22 September 2007 |
 A healthy young lamb Today BBC News reported that a case of bluetongue disease has been confirmed in a cow in Ipswich, Suffolk. It is the first time that this devastating insect bourne disease has been found in the UK. Usually confined to the Mediterranean, bluetongue has been gradually working its way across Northern Europe, and its arrival in the UK was really only a matter of time. The disease infects sheep, goats and cattle as well as deer, and once infected up to 70% of a flock of sheep will die from it. There is not thought to be any risk to human health, and at the moment there is only the one confirmed case. Being insect bourne it should mean that it's unlikely that the countryside will be "shut down" should it spread, but as walkers we should be vigilant nonetheless and report anything suspicious to the local farmer. Symptoms include swelling and haemorrhaging around the mouth, as well as lameness and difficulty eating. |
| HAVE YOU SEEN? |
 Cicerone books have just published a new and inspirational book which, as Chris Bonnington states, 'is reflecting an exuberant affection for, and pleasure in, the exploration of the Cumbrian Fells.' The new book is Great Mountain Days in the Lake District and has been written by the Alfred Wainwright devotee Mark Richards. If you would like to receive 15% off the price of this book and free P&P then read on... |
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 Eric Robson was born in Southern Scotland and has lived for most of his life in Cumbria. For the latter part of his life he has owned a small farm near Wasdale and is most famous for his role as chairman of Gardeners' Question Time on BBC Radio 4. Over the last five years he has also chaired the Wainwright Society. This book examines his own life with quite amusing anecdotes of his experiences as a freelance broadcaster and documentary maker. |
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Please Support
The Lost Sheep
"A big thank-you too to Peter for piecing together the latest Lost Sheep, I feel honoured to find a place in this extra special issue and serve AW's dearest cause." Mark Richards
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