16/11/2024
Bluetongue virus restriction zone update
The bluetongue restricted zone has been extended, so more of our clients will now be affected. The interactive map linked below shows the details of this.
There is advice and guidance on the links included below. Our team are here to discuss any concerns if you need us.
Following the identification of a further bluetongue BTV-3 case in Hampshire which is just outside the zone, the Restricted Zone (RZ) has been extended again to include additional areas of Hampshire and part of Wiltshire. It now covers Bedfordshire, Berkshire (part), Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, City of Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Sussex, Essex, Greater London, Hampshire (part), Hertfordshire, Isle of Wight, Kent, Leicestershire (part), Lincolnshire, Norfolk, North Yorkshire (part), Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire (part), Suffolk, Surrey, West Sussex, Warwickshire (part) and Wiltshire (part).
Keepers of cattle, sheep, camelids and other ruminants must remain vigilant. Bluetongue is a notifiable disease and must be reported by law. You are not permitted to move any animal showing these clinical signs and if you see any of these signs you must report it to APHA. Animals should only be moved where itโs absolutely necessary. Please also follow the restrictions on animal and germinal product movements that apply - more information on the restrictions and licences is available on GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/bluetongue-movement-licences-and-designated-slaughterhouses.
Check the Bluetongue interactive map:
https://defra.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=514ec88edec74575958d860f0196d2ea and GOV.UK to see what steps you must take to prevent and control the disease: https://www.gov.uk/bluetongue.
Information about BTV-3 vaccinations is also available on GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/bluetongue-serotype-3-btv-3-vaccine-permits.
