Exeter Livestock Market cancels sales amid bluetongue testing concerns

The Exeter Livestock Market was forced to cancel its primestock market sales following an investigation by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) into a potential disease outbreak.

Kivells Agriculture, which operates the market, confirmed that the Government agency had instructed them to halt sales on March 3, citing ‘circumstances beyond its control.’

The incident was triggered when a farmer purchased several sheep from the Exeter market over the weekend and became concerned that they were displaying foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) symptoms. The APHA was immediately contacted, and initial tests for FMD came back negative. However, further tests suggested that the sheep may be exhibiting symptoms of bluetongue, with confirmation of results expected later this week.

Bluetongue is a viral disease that affects ruminants such as sheep, cattle, and deer. It is transmitted by biting midges and does not spread directly between animals. While bluetongue does not pose a threat to human health or food safety, it can have severe economic consequences for the livestock industry due to movement restrictions and trade implications.

Symptoms of bluetongue in livestock include

• Sheep: Severe symptoms, including fever, swelling of the face and tongue (which may turn blue), mouth ulcers, lameness, breathing difficulties, and weight loss.

• Cattle: Often asymptomatic but can display fever, swollen teats, excessive salivation, and nasal discharge.

• General effects: Reduced productivity, complications during pregnancy, and, in severe cases, death.

Selworthy Vets, based in Kingsbridge, stated they are closely monitoring the situation and hope to provide further updates once test results are available. Meanwhile, Adrian Parsons, Cornwall Councillor for Altarnun and Stoke Climsland, described the news as ‘concerning’ and praised the swift action taken to protect local livestock.

Kivells Agriculture has expressed gratitude for the cooperation of farmers and buyers during this uncertain time. They hope to reschedule sales later this week and will provide further updates as soon as test results are confirmed.