Bluetongue (BTV) Update 15.02.2024
Exposure to BTV-3 has been identified in cattle in Dorset following serological surveillance testing.
Therefore, the RZ (Restricted Zone) has now been extended to include Dorset.
Most of our clients will fall within the RZ.
Animals in the RZ can only be moved where it’s absolutely necessary and will need either a ‘General licence’ (e.g. moving to slaughter) or ‘specific’ license’ (e.g another premises after confirmed negative pre-moment blood testing). You must allow 10 working days for the licence application to be processed.
More information can be found here:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/bluetongue-movement-licences-and-designated-slaughterhouses
and also
Move animals from the bluetongue restricted zone to a market – GOV.UK
Move animals to a market (not for immediate slaughter)
During the seasonally vector low period you can move animals that originate from a restricted zone, and are not intended for immediate slaughter, to a market anywhere in Great Britain. If any part of the move will require animals to leave the restricted zone, you will require both:
- specific licence (EXD632) to move animals directly to the market
- general licence to move the animals from the market directly to their destination premises
You must have a pre-movement bluetongue test with negative results for any animals leaving the restricted zone. Find out how to get free bluetongue testing for your animals. The market will require a copy of your EXD632 specific licence which will confirm that the animals listed in Part 2 of that licence have been tested for bluetongue and had negative results returned.
If testing is required, samples can be taken within 21 days of the movement. This period maybe reduced as we approach the end of the seasonally vector low period. The rules for testing offspring travelling at foot with their dam have been eased.
If the dam tests negative for bluetongue, we are permitting offspring born on or after 1 December 2024 to travel at foot without pre-movement testing. The animals must not be showing clinical signs at the time of sampling or movement. These animals can move from the RZ into England, Scotland or Wales. This is only permitted during the SVLP.
You do not need a licence if you know your animals will not leave the bluetongue restricted zone at any point in the sale. Your auctioneer may be able to offer your animals for sale to clients that will only buy stock to move to premises within the same restricted zone. If you are unsure, apply for specific licence EXD632 and complete bluetongue testing of your animals in advance to make sure any move out of the restricted zone can take place.
Animals intended to be sold via a market must:
- be individually identified and have no signs of bluetongue infection
- have a specific licence in most cases
- have a general licence to leave the market direct to their onward destination – this must be endorsed by the market operator before leaving the market
With a general licence, you are allowed multiple drop-offs of animals at their final destination after leaving the market. This only applies during the SVLP.
You must apply for a specific licence to move animals (not intended for slaughter) to a market or onward destination outside of the restricted zone during the SVLP. Animals will require pre-movement testing as a condition of the movement licence.
For more information, including information on vaccination, contact us on 01308 456771
We will contine to post updates as the information becomes available from APHA/Defra.
