New bluetongue restricted zone put in place
“We will continue to keep control zones under review as our understanding of the disease picture develops” – Christine Middlemiss.
A new restricted zone has been put in place following cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) in the East Riding of Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.
The Animal and Plant Health Agency has said that there is now evidence of local transmission of the virus in the area. The restricted zone replaces the temporary control zone which had been in place and covers the East Riding of Yorkshire and part of Lincolnshire.
The East Riding of Yorkshire and Lincolnshire have also been designated as high-risk counties. This means that animal keepers outside the restricted zone will be able to access free testing.
Animals in the counties can also now be vaccinated under the new general licence. Movement controls will still apply to vaccinated animals.
As a further measure to restrict the spread of BTV-3, the restricted zone that was already in place in Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, and parts of Kent and Greater London has been extended. It now covers all of Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Kent, East Sussex and part of Greater London.
Susceptible animals within the restricted zones can only be moved if it is essential. A specific licence is needed to move an animal from within a restricted zone to outside of the zone.
Christine Middlemiss, the UK’s chief veterinary officer, said: “As the number of bluetongue cases continues to rise in England and northern Europe, we are taking prompt action to mitigate the spread of the disease.
“I urge farmers within bluetongue control zones to adhere to restrictions and remain vigilant to prevent the disease spreading to their herds.
“We appreciate the impact restrictions can have on farmers and are committed to working with everyone affected. We will continue to keep control zones under review as our understanding of the disease picture develops.”
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.
A map of the areas where restrictions apply can be found 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.
