The UK now has Bluetongue. This had been, until September this year, an 'exotic' disease but had been marching across Europe. It is a midge-borne viral disease.

The disease affects ruminant animals (cattle, sheep, llamas, alpacas, buffalo, deer, reindeer, goats etc.). I have been in contact with European colleagues and they report that they have successfully treated cases with homeopathy. However, as yet, this is a 'notifiable disease' in the UK, which means that we are not allowed to treat cases.

If a request for treatment is received, the AVMC will contact DEFRA, to seek permission to treat. It would appear that progress of the disease may be unstoppable, by conventional means. We shall write to offer homeopathic help and help with clinical research, as we did for Foot & Mouth (FMD) and for Avian Influenza (Bird Flu). Because of the way this virus spreads (via midges), it is impossible to stop spread by the same means as for Foot and Mouth. This would make it an obvious area for homeoprophylaxis (prevention using nosodes etc.).

As at 16.30pm on 14 December 2007 there were 66 confirmed premises affected by Bluetongue. This figure will normally be updated by DEFRA weekly on a Friday where necessary.

Visit: http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/bluetongue/latest/index.htm

http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/bluetongue/movements/index.htm

http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/bluetongue/pdf/declaration-btv-pzsz071114.pdf

Also visit the AVMC web site: www.alternativevet.org