Bluetongue poses no food safety risks

Friday 28 September 2007

The recent confirmation of an outbreak of bluetongue has no safety implications for the human food chain. Meat and milk are safe to eat, and there is no danger either to food handlers or consumers as the disease does not affect humans.

Bluetongue is an animal disease which affects ruminants, including sheep, cattle, deer and goats. It cannot be naturally transmitted directly between animals. It is transmitted by the movement of midges, or by movements of infected animals if they are subsequently bitten by midges.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has lead responsibility within Great Britain for the control of all animal diseases, including bluetongue. Further information on bluetongue can be found on the Defra website below.