Restricted zone put in place after more bluetongue cases
“Farmers are urged not to move animals within the zone unless it is absolutely necessary” – Christine Middlemiss.
A restricted zone covering all of Norfolk and Suffolk has been put in place after several more cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) were detected in the counties.
The additional restrictions were introduced in response to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) finding evidence of some local transmission of the virus. Due to current temperatures and midge activity, the risk of onward spread in the UK is considered to be high.
The new zone, which came into force at 8pm on 30 August, replaced the temporary control zone which had initially been put in place. As of 31 August, the virus has been confirmed in 27 animals across ten premises in Norfolk and Suffolk.
Under the new rules, only essential movement of susceptible animals (cattle, sheep, goats, deer and other ruminants and camelids including llamas and alpacas) within the restricted zone can take place without a licence. A specific licence is required to move animals outside the zone.
All of the infected premises have been placed under further restrictions. Susceptible animals can only be moved from the premises under licence.
Christine Middlemiss, UK chief veterinary officer, said: “Following an increased number of bluetongue cases, we have declared a restricted zone across Suffolk and Norfolk.
“This means all keepers in these regions must urgently act now to both prevent the disease spreading to their herds and any further. Farmers are urged not to move animals within the zone unless it is absolutely necessary.
“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 immediately 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 and the licences available 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.
