Holstein UK is very disappointed to announce that the UK Team of cattle that were destined to take part in The European Championships Libramont, Belgium on 12th and 13th April 2019 will not be attending.
Following discussions with the UK Team exhibitors, they have decided that the risk in attending this event has become too high following a recent bluetongue outbreak in Belgium. Belgium was moved into a restricted area on Wednesday 27th March with 4 confirmed cases of the BTV8 Strain of Bluetongue within very close proximity to the event venue.
“This has been a devastating decision to have to make” commented Holstein UK CEO Sue Cope. “I have the greatest sympathy with the UK team as I know how much time and effort has gone into getting these animals ready for the show. It was always going to be a challenge to get the team there and the exhibitors have worked with Holstein UK and the veterinary advisors very closely to make sure the animals met all the strict health conditions of the Belgium Animal Health Authorities.”
Bluetongue has been creeping through Europe over the last few months and despite aggressive efforts by a number of parties to get hold of the BTV4 & BTV8 vaccine throughout the end of last year and this year this it has proved impossible. Despite APHA issuing the UK team licenses to import the vaccine due to the unavailability in the UK the increased demand in Europe for the vaccine meant retailers and exporters of the vaccine were unable to supply the UK with the required doses.
The two Holstein Young Breeders Jonny Woodhouse & Robert Morley will still be heading out to Belgium to compete in the young breeder competition and we wish them the greatest of success.
