However, evidence in the UK where 25 herds of cattle have been confirmed as having the viral infection – which has caused deformity and death in five lambs – shows that there has been no record of an associated drop in milk yields, and the adult animals have not been seriously affected.
Veterinary investigation officer Alan Wight was brought to the Island by States Vet Linda Lowseck after the laboratory in Winchester where he is based confirmed last month that five lambs born dead and seriously deformed on two farms in Jersey had the infection.
Mr Wight spoke to cattle and sheep farmers this week at the Royal Jersey Showground where he encouraged them to remain vigilant about their livestock, particularly around the time of birth.
