Bluetongue vector free period ends

The vector-free season ended at midnight on Saturday, March 15.

Movement restrictions that were in place before December last year have now come into force, imposing strict rules on the movement of susceptible animals.

The restrictions will limit the movement of livestock in the bluetongue zones and will have a marked effect on shows, events and markets over the next few months.

With susceptible livestock unable to leave the zones and animals in the free areas unable to enter, shows and events will be limited on what livestock can attend, whilst farmers will be limited in which markets they can use.

The vector free season began on December 20, relaxing the movement restrictions whilst midge activity was at its lowest.

During the three month period, all animals were subject to pre-movement testing, with a further 40 infected premises being identified as a result.

Last week, the number of cases broke the 100 mark, with the number of confirmed cases in England and Wales now standing at 101.

These restrictions are those that were in place before December 20.

What you can not do:

• Susceptible livestock cannot move from a Bluetongue Surveillance Zone or a Protection Zone into a free area.

• Livestock cannot be moved from the Protection Zone to the Surveillance Zone

What you can do:

• Livestock can be moved from the Surveillance Zone to the Protection Zone, but those animals would subsequently not be able to leave the Protection Zone.

• Movements out of bluetongue zones directly to an approved slaughterhouse are permitted. These must take place after dusk and before dawn, to avoid moving whilst midge activity is at its highest.

Source: Farmers Guardian