Bluetongue restricted zone extended to Essex
A specific licence is now required to move susceptible animals out of the restricted zone.
The county of Essex has been added to the restricted zone after more cases of the bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) were confirmed in Suffolk amid continued evidence of local transmission.
The restricted zone now covers Essex, Suffolk, and Norfolk. A specific licence is required to move animals outside the zone.
Within the zone, essential movement of susceptible animals (cattle, sheep, goats, deer and other ruminants and camelids including llamas and alpacas) can take place without a licence, but farmers have been urged to do so only when absolutely necessary. Susceptible animals can only be moved from infected premises under licence.
As of 2 September, the virus has been confirmed in 41 animals across 13 premises. The first case was confirmed in Norfolk on 26 August.
This year has also seen thousands of cases of BTV-3 in Europe, with countries such as Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and France affected by the virus.
Christine Middlemiss, UK chief veterinary officer, said: “We have not taken this action lightly and we are clear that farmers and their vets must remain vigilant and report any suspicions to APHA immediately.”
Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. Suspected cases must be reported on 03000 200 301 in England or 03003 038 268 in Wales. In Scotland, suspected cases should be reported to the local field services office.
Further information on the restrictions can be found here. A guide on spotting the signs of the virus is available here.
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With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.
