Bluetongue latest situation
29 August 2008: DEFRA announced the detection of Bluetongue (BTV8) in eight imported cattle, on premises near Tiverton, Devon. The animals originated from the same consignment imported from within the BTV8 Restricted Zone in Germany.
The Protection Zone was also extended at 00.01 on Monday 1 September into Northumberland and Cumbria. This completes the roll-out of the vaccination programme by bringing the whole of England into the Protection Zone, enabling farmers to protect their animals from the threat of Bluetongue.
The cases in Devon were detected as a result of post-import testing carried out by Defra on all Bluetongue susceptible animals arriving from Continental Europe, in addition to checks at the country of origin.
Livestock keepers in the areas coming into the Protection Zone can now obtain the vaccine through their vet. The vaccine is be available in 20ml, 50ml and 100ml bottles, although some bottle sizes may be more readily available than others as supply proportions vary over time.
Animals can only be moved out of the Protection Zone if they are vaccinated, naturally immune or moving for slaughter, subject to meeting certain conditions. Please refer to the Defra website for further guidance.
Further information about Bluetongue vaccination is available on the Defra website: http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/bluetongue/control/vaccination/index.htm
Bluetongue disease control restrictions are in place.
Certain livestock movements are licensed but the movement types and conditions vary. It is important to know which controls apply to avoid spreading disease.
Where movements are permitted, all other existing disease control requirements must be complied with. This includes statutory TB requirements.
Are you in a Zone?
In the first instance you should consult the:
Bluetongue Protection Zone (BPZ) - Declaration and definitive map [PDF] (1.4 MB)
Interactive map - Search by postcode to see if you are in a Zone and check how you are affected by following the link below:
http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/bluetongue/movements/index.htm
Movement licences
General licences for the movement of vaccinated animals are available on the Defra website http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/bluetongue/movements/index.htm#licence
There are specific conditions attached to the movement of vaccinated animals into the Free Area. These include the requirement for the animals to be either:
vaccinated more than 60 days before the movement; or been vaccinated before at least the number of days necessary for the onset of the immunity protection detailed in the vaccine specification, and
were subjected to an agent identification PCR test with negative results, carried out at least 14 days after the onset of the immunity protection set in the vaccine specification;
or they were previously vaccinated and they have been re-vaccinated within the immunity period of time guaranteed in the vaccination specification.
A signed self declaration by the keeper and a signed veterinary certificate, confirming the details of the vaccinations, must be carried during the movement, along with a standard movement document.
Defra has launched a recorded information line for the farming community to use in disease outbreaks.
The information line allows farmers, livestock keepers, vets and other stakeholders to stay up-to-date with important news and information, initially about Foot and Mouth Disease and Bluetongue, from the end of a phone.
This new communication channel allows those without regular access to the internet to listen to the latest news by simply dialling 0844 884 4600 instead. The information line will be updated regularly. Calling in costs 5p a minute (4.2p plus VAT).
For more information on the latest developments please visit the Defra website: http://www.defra.gov.uk or contact the Defra Helpline on 08459 335577.
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