Bluetongue Antibodies Identified in Finnish Beef
FINLAND – Bluetongue virus antibodies have been identified in one Finnish cow for the first time, thought to be from a vaccine.
20 January 2014
1 minute read
Laboratory tests by the Finnish Food Safety Authority (EVIRA) revealed meat from one cow, from a farm in the south west, was carrying Bluetongue antibodies.
Finnish food safety experts state the cow must have become infected at some stage in life.
Finland has remained Bluetongue free, although the sample, taken at the end of last year, could indicate spreading from nearby Russia, the Baltic region or Poland.
Evira stated : “Animals are not vaccinated against bluetongue disease in Finland, and the use of live bluetongue vaccines is not permitted in the EU countries, with the exception of Italy.”
Samples were collected as part of an on-going monitoring programme for Bluetongue.
Evira said the results do not require a response.
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