Bluetongue

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) confirmed the circulation of Bluetongue disease between the local animal and midge population in East Anglia in September 2007.

Surveillance and Protection Zones have been established and are extended when necessary.

For the latest situation, see the Defra website (Bluetongue: Latest Situation) (http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/bluetongue/latest/index.htm).

Swindon is within the Protection Zone for bluetongue.

What Movements CanTake Place:

• There are no restrictions on the movement of pigs as they are not susceptible to Bluetongue
• You can move ruminants anywhere within the Bluetongue Protection Zone (PZ).
• You can move ruminants to specially licenced abattoirs outside the PZ.
• You can move ruminants into the Bluetongue Control Zone (CZ), however, you must comply with the movement restrictions within the CZ
• You can move ruminants into the Bluetongue PZ from the area outside the FMD Restricted Zone.

What Movements Can’t Take Place

You cannot move animals from the Bluetongue Protection Zone to the area outside of the FMD Restricted Zone, unless to a licensed abattoir.

What to do if You Suspect Signs of a Notifiable Disease

If you suspect signs of any notifiable disease, you must immediately notify a Defra Divisional Veterinary Manager -see the Defra website: Animal Health Offices (www.defra.gov.uk/animalhealth/about-us/contact-us/search/index.asp).

If you need further information or advice not covered by these pages then please contact the Defra Helpline on 08459 33 55 77 (Monday to Friday 8.00am-8.00pm, and Saturday and Sunday 9.00am-5.00pm).

Further Information

Defra website: About Bluetongue (www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/bluetongue/about/index.htm)

Bluetongue: Movement guidance and licences (www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/bluetongue/movements/index.htm)