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Bluetongue restricted zones merged and extended
As of 22 September, 97 cases have been confirmed.
Movement restrictions now apply to more than a dozen counties.

The two restricted zones put in place to tackle the spread of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) have been combined and extended after new cases of the virus were identified close to them.

The single restricted zone now covers all of the East Riding of Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Greater London, Surrey, West Sussex, East Sussex, and Kent.

Susceptible animals within the restricted zone can only be moved if it is essential. A specific licence is needed to move an animal from within the restricted zone to outside of the zone.

Since the first case of BTV-3 in this vector season was confirmed on 26 August, 97 cases have been confirmed in England.

Jenny Stewart, chief executive of the Animal and Plant Health Agency, said “Since the first BTV-3 case for this season was detected last month, case numbers have continued to rise, and I want to remind keepers of the importance of monitoring their livestock and taking up free testing where necessary.

“Scientists, vets and field teams from the Animal and Plant Health Agency are working hard to help tackle bluetongue virus and ensure farmers are kept up to date and supported.”

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.

Image © Shutterstock

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
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