Due to the drop in temperature, the UK's Chief Veterinary Officer has confirmed the UK is in the seasonally vector low period for bluetongue virus. This came into effect from 12 noon on 21 January.
As a result, some restrictions currently in place to mitigate disease spread will be eased. These include:
- removing the requirements for post-movement testing of animals out of the RZ (Restricted Zone)
- the use of insecticide on transport vehicles
- the need to send animals moving outside of the RZ for slaughter to designated abattoirs.
Precautionary measures continue
The government has confirmed that the RZ currently in place across affected regions along the east and south coast of England will remain. Next steps will be announced once discussions with industry have taken place.
“While in the low vector period, vigilance is still key and if you suspect a case, it must be reported to Defra and I’d encourage members to discuss vaccination with their vet.”
NFU Livestock Board chair David Barton
All animals moving out of the RZ will still require a pre-movement test unless going direct to slaughter or to a dedicated slaughter market.All animals moving out of the RZ will still require a pre-movement test unless going direct to slaughter or to a dedicated slaughter market.
‘Vigilance is key’
NFU Livestock Board chair David Barton said: “Confirmation that we are now in the seasonally vector low period for bluetongue virus (BTV) will be welcomed by many livestock farmers, especially those that find themselves in the current RZ.
“For those farmers that remain in the RZ, I’d encourage checking the most up to date information on requirements for premovement testing and changes which allow animals to move to any abattoir in the ‘Free Area’.
“While in the low vector period, vigilance is still key and if you suspect a case, it must be reported to Defra and I’d encourage members to discuss vaccination with their vet.”
Read the full update at: GOV.UK | Seasonally vector low period for bluetongue begins.
