All of Wales will move into a Bluetongue (BTV3) restricted zone from 10th November, meaning sheep and cattle will be able to move freely between England and Wales without any restrictions for the first time since the end of June.
Wales’ deputy first minister, Huw Irranca-Davies said: “Given that Bluetongue has reached Wales, and historic temperature data and modelling work indicates it is very unlikely for midge-borne transmission of Bluetongue virus to occur after 10 November in Wales, the declaration of an all-Wales Restricted Zone will commence on that date.”
The declaration of the all-Wales RZ will have the following effects:
- Revocation of the Monmouthshire Temporay Control Zone – the existing TCZ and associated conditions will be revoked, simplifying disease control measures across Wales.
- Removal of premises level restrictions – individual premises across Wales will no longer be subject to Bluetongue-specific movement or control restrictions.
- No further culling or restrictions – culling of infected animals and imposition of further Bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) restrictions will cease in Wales.
- Free movement of livestock – livestock movements between England and Wales will no longer require Bluetongue vaccination or other mitigation measures, facilitating trade and logistics. Vaccination is still recommended, including for livestock moving to tack grazing in England.
- Ongoing Surveillance and future preparedness – regular monitoring will continue to for detection of any new Bluetongue serotypes and support future efforts to regain disease-free status. Controls may be necessary for other BTV serotypes.
- Continued restrictions on germinal products – testing of donor animals before freezing and marketing of germinal products will continue to provide quality assurance and reduce the risk of longer-term Bluetongue transmission.
- Changes for livestock movements to Scotland – moving animals from the Wales RZ to Scotland will be subject to the Scottish Government’s rules on licensing and movement testing.
Welsh animal keepers continue to be encouraged to speak to their vets about BTV3 vaccination, to protect livestock and livelihoods.
“To date, 11 cases of BTV-3 have been confirmed in Wales, four in Powys and seven in the Temporary Control Zone located in Monmouthshire. It is likely the number of Bluetongue cases will increase as surveillance continues,” added the deputy first minister.