Current NSA updates on bluetongue

Key links:

• APHA interactive bluetongue map
• Gov.UK Bluetongue news, information and guidance for livestock keepers
• Gov.UK How to spot and report bluetongue
• Gov.UK Bluetongue movement licences 

15th April 2025
Bluetongue testing ease extended
BTV controls extended from the 23rd April to 15th May, assuming no major changes in circumstances before then. This will be reviewed again in early May. 

Animals that are pregnant, entire males for breeding or 60 days or under at the time of movement must be pre-movement tested by PCR with negative results before moving.  All animal movements out of the BTV RZ still require an application for a specific licence.  Keepers should continue to apply to APHA for a licence in good time (at least 10 days before the movement).

Keepers are still urged to be vigilant for signs of BTV (FMD and other diseases).  At this stage, it has been decided unnecessary to restart the requirement for slaughtering to take place at designated abattoirs.  It has also been decided not to mandate the use of insecticides in vehicles prior to loading in the RZ.  They will review both these again in May.  

26th March 2025
Bluetongue testing laws eased in restricted zone (RZ)
A temporary easing of testing requirements for certain livestock classes in the bluetongue restricted zone has been welcomed by the NSA. 

Dry ewe lambs and store lambs can now be moved outside the restricted zone without a pre-movements test after today’s (26 March) Defra notification. 

NSA urges members to read a comprehensive summary of the rule changes here, and understand the change is temporary and will apply until no later than 23 April, although the easing period could be shorter depending on how risk factors for BTV change in the coming weeks. 

Only the following animals will still require both a pre-movement test and a specific movement licence to move out of the RZ:

• Entire males intended for use in breeding
• Pregnant females (or pregnancy status unknown)
• Youngstock that are aged 60 days or younger at the time of the movement, unless
• they are travelling at foot with the maternal dam - in this case, you can test the
• maternal dam by PCR and ELISA

NSA Policy manager Michael Priestley said this should ease workload on vet teams working for farms who have outwintered ewe lambs in the restricted zone. 

“Living with Bluetongue restrictions has been extraordinarily difficult for sheep farmers and livestock markets, creating huge issues over marketing and movements, so anything to lessen the burden is to be welcomed,” he says. 

“The timing of the change may mean farmers wintering some classes of non-pregnant stock, such as ewe lambs, can move their sheep home or to spring grazing more easily at a time when the seasonally low vector period means there is a lower bluetongue risk.

“As a notifiable disease spread by the Culicoides midge, sheep farmers should be aware that this easing is temporary and subject to incidences of the virus and weather patterns.”

Read the full 'Defra note' PDF in the downloads on the side of this page.

19th March 2025
A new Battle Bluetongue tool has been created to help vets and farmers assess the potential economic risk or return for a farm considering vaccinating flocks and herds against BTV-3 this year.

This calculator has been added to the armoury of resources available for vets and farmers to use in the Battle Bluetongue vaccination campaign launched for farmers in England and Wales in February 2025 - developed by AHDB and Ruminant Health & Welfare (RH&W) in collaboration with key veterinary and industry associations.

A webinar to explain the benefits of using the calculator and a live demonstration on how to use it is taking place on Wednesday 26th March 5-6pm. A technical update on BTV-3 and recent findings will be provided as well as a practical update from vets Fiona Lovatt and Joe Henry. Book your place on the webinar here. 

Or view the BTV-3 vaccination finance calculator here 
 

12th March 2025
The NSA is encouraging farmers and vets to reference a Ruminant Health & Welfare template on vaccinating against Bluetongue.
The simple traffic-light coded template asks questions on farmer's flocks and farms to assist with making decisions on vaccinations.

Find the template here.

18th February 2025

The low vector period continues and is expected to remain in place until around mid-March – although this has not yet been confirmed and is dependant on midge activity. The RZ has been extended to include Dorset. To check if you are within the zone, see the interactive map here https://www.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=514ec88edec74575958d860f0196d2ea. NSA urges farmers wanting to move sheep from within the RZ to sales or to return home from tack to do so quickly to take advantage of only requiring a pre-movement test. Pirbright who carry out the testing has this week confirmed it has caught up with a backlog of tests. However, capacity is still stretched and NSA would suggest prioritising in-ewe lambs for testing to avoid delays resulting in them not being moved back home in time for lambing. 

AHDB and RH&W yesterday launched a vaccination campaign ‘Battle Bluetongue’. To date 19,771 sheep have been vaccinated and vet reports suggest the total number of vaccinated animals, including cattle, sheep, goats, camelids and reindeer is almost 39,000. The three vaccines available in England have now been approved for use in Wales and we await a date of introduction along with a process to report vaccinated animals. This is expected from Welsh government next week. Sheep farmers in England can get vaccination guidance and report their vaccinated animals here https://www.gov.uk/guidance/general-licence-for-bluetongue-serotype-3-btv-3-vaccine.

All famers and vets are invited to join a webinar next Wednesday, 26th February between 5pm and 6pm to hear more about the campaign and a disease update. Sign up here to join live or receive a recording: Registration.

22nd January 2025 - Seasonally vector low period for bluetongue begins

The UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer has announced yesterday (21st January) that we are now in the seasonally vector low period for bluetongue virus.

Due to a decrease in temperature, midge activity is lower, with midges not actively feeding, meaning there is a very low risk of new infections from biting midges.

As a result, some restrictions currently in place to mitigate disease spread will be eased. These include: removing the requirements for post-movement testing of animals out of the Restricted Zone (RZ); the use of insecticide on transport vehicles; and the need to send animals moving outside of the RZ for slaughter to designated abattoirs. These changes came into force at midday on 21st January.

As a precautionary measure, the RZ currently in place across affected regions along the east and south coast of England will remain whilst discussions with industry continue on next steps.

All animals moving out of the RZ will still require a pre-movement test to enable them to acquire a specific licence unless going direct to slaughter or to a dedicated slaughter market. 

Farmers should continue to monitor their animals frequently for clinical signs and make sure their animals and land are registered with APHA so that animals can be located in the event of an outbreak. 

BTV is a notifiable disease. Suspicion of BTV in animals in England must be reported to the Animal and Plant Health Agency on 03000 200 301.

20th December 2024

The RZ was extended earlier this week - further into Hampshire – as a result of testing giving evidence of on-going recent infections.  See map here.  Total cases now stands at 185.   NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker says: “We are fully aware of the difficulties being caused by the movement controls and are working with Defra and others regarding how these can be relaxed and adjusted as we get to the seasonal low vector period although this is not expected until well into January.

“Experience so far has indicated BTV3 is not hitting our flocks and herds anywhere near as badly as seen in the Netherlands, Belgium or Germany in terms of mortality or morbidity, as shown in this survey, and this suggests that the movement restrictions have been over restrictive.  However, concern remains that if we were to see emergence much earlier in the season, or in sheep flocks at a time when immune functions are compromised, and we still don’t know the impact on fertility of our in lamb flocks and in calf cattle herds.  We are hearing of some concerning cases of high barren rates in cattle herds that might relate to infertile males or females absorbing embryos and this needs to inform future protection strategies.”

NSA encourages sheep scanners, or members having their flocks scanned, to inform us of any trends or cases regarding unusual levels of barren ewes – this could well be a result of BTV3 infections that have had no clinical signs detected. NSA can make use of this information in our role on the Defra core disease group. Please report to enquiries@nationalsheep.org.uk.

5th December 2024

The Bluetongue zone remains in place with two new cases were confirmed on 1 December. Eight cattle were confirmed positive in the restricted zone in Norfolk following a non-negative pre-movement test. One cow was confirmed positive in the restricted zone in Buckinghamshire following surveillance testing. The total number of cases in Great Britain for the 2024 to 2025 vector season is 171. To access the Bluetongue restriction zone map click here. 

15th October 2024 

There have been 2 further positive cases of BTV-3 today which now brings the total number of BTV cases to 162 and suggests the spread of the disease is now slowing. We have not yet hit the expected low vector period but the temperatures and weather conditions are enabling some of the restrictions to be eased due to reduced risk. 

NSA’s Phil Stocker and Policy Manager Emma Owen have attended the regular twice weekly BTV meetings as usual this week. Phil says: “We are expecting some changes in the movement restrictions relating to animals to slaughter as we appear to be getting into a low vector period. We will, of course, keep our members informed.”

The first breeding market at Melton Mowbray will be held next week on Saturday, 23rd November for pedigree breeding stock and there will be measures in place to cater for a number of consignments from within the RZ.

30th October 2024

While last week was quiet in terms of new BTV3 cases the weekend saw an additional small number of cases.  Most significantly on Friday the 25 October 1 new case was confirmed in Northamptonshire which resulted in the RZ being extended and surveillance focussed around that fringe area.  A further 4 new premises were reported on Monday 28th October. These are in the counties of Suffolk, Buckinghamshire, and Lincolnshire. Another case was reported yesterday (Tuesday)  in Buckinghamshire and brings the total number of cases to 150.  The mild temperatures seen over the last week are likely to keep midges active and risk of the virus circulating but discussions are planned over the next 10 days regarding potential winter strategies as and when midge activity falls.    There are reports on the continent of a new strain of Bluetongue – BTV 12, and APHA are monitoring this closely.  At the moment the UK isn’t identifying any strains other than BTV3 and we hope this situation continues

24th October 2024

NSA are encouraging members to be mindful of the potential implications of moving sheep to winter tack. Moves from outside an RZ into an RZ could have long term impacts on animal health, it may also mean pre-movement testing must take place in England before the return journey if restrictions are still in place plus post movement testing before movement restrictions are lifted on the receiving farm. 

Holdings in Wales should be especially mindful of movement restrictions in place, currently indicating there are to be no moves to live into Wales from an RZ. 

This could become especially restrictive on return journeys from tack if we see further midge activity, warm/damp weather, and continuing BTV3 cases over the winter and spring. 

As things stand NSA appreciate the potential difficulties this may face some individuals with and continue to work with APHA, Defra and Vets to ensure we find a solution that protects animal health. All farmers are being encouraged to familiarise themselves with the gov.uk advice and licence requirements whether they are in an RZ or not. 

18th October 2024

There have been three new cases of BTV3 reported this week, suggesting the spread is beginning to slow. There have been 11 licences to move to live outside the RZ and only seven for specific licences for vaccines outside the RZ. Vets have reported prescribing a vaccine for 4,136 animals (2168 cattle, 1905 sheep, 32 camelids, 31 goats), and animal keepers have reported vaccination of 5,588 animals (2,358 cattle, 3,057 sheep, 76 camelids, and 97 Goats). The number difference between vets and keepers is because keepers are legislatively required to report and vets are encouraged to. Vets also have a longer window. 

NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker says: “The number of animals being vaccinated is still low but its clear that protecting animals  for some keepers is important.  We are also of the opinion that many farmers will be holding back because of the risks of vaccinating breeding males and pregnant females, so this time of year was always going to see some nervousness.  There is also the issue that as we approach November we are moving away from the vector active season.   So all these factors are probably supressing demand – as well as a lot of farmers outside the zone not feeling the risks are high.”

New cases of BTV3 appear to slowing down although its too early to say if this is indicative of any real trend. 

Total number of affected premises is now at 141 with 139 being in England and 2 in Wales

Animal keepers have reported vaccination of 6,773 animals (3,108 cattle, 3,481 sheep, 76 camelids, and 108 goats).

The most significant news today is that vaccination for BTV3, using any of the 3 vaccines under emergency authorisation, comes under a general licence as from today.  This means no prior approval needs to be granted although the prescription through the vet and reporting of use requirements remain as they are.  For details of general licence see link etc.

The decision has been taken to lift the specific licence for vaccinating outside the high risk zone – so in England only, we will soon move to vaccinating under a general licence.  NSA will notify members as soon as this action is complete.

To confirm, there are no restrictions on vaccinated animals from outside the RZ being moved from England to Wales or Scotland. An animal can move from the RZ into the free area in England with pre and post movement testing and subject to a negative post movement result and fulfilling the standstill period, will then be able to move to Wales or Scotland.. 

There are two new red markets able to take animals from the RZ to be sold for slaughter – these are Ludlow and Worcester. This is in addition to those already listed on Defra’s website. 

Phil and NSA Policy Manager Emma Owen have been attending several meetings every week with Defra, APHA and other industry partners to keep up to date with Bluetongue. This week there was input from the Netherlands reporting emerging information on the impact of BTV3 on fertility of rams and bulls. It was found that many were infertile for several months after having BTV3. There were also reports of still births and cloudy eyes at birth. 

Following on from Nottingham University’s survey, APHA/Defra are also working on developing a survey into effected premises. People will be contacted directly to complete the survey to help understand the implications of the virus, mortality rates etc which will help inform future actions. NSA would encourage people to respond and participate if requested.

14th October 2024

We start w/c 14th October with 138 confirmed BTV3 affected premises, with 2 of these being in Wales and the remainder in England.  148 reported suspicions have been negated.  The restricted zone (RZ) was extended last week and full details can be found on the link to the interactive map.   So far all the positive cases found beyond the RZ have either resulted in the RZ being extended, or in more far flung areas positive animals culled and farms tested and cleared so far.   Defra is reporting a steady number of licences granted for moves from the RZ to red markets, and to live with the appropriate pre and post move blood tests.   There is significant progress being made to licence markets outside the RZs for breeding animals, to take animals from within the zone but these animals will need to be pre movement tested and with a declaration by buyers that they be post movement tested too.  This is a real step forward although we should not underestimate the practical difficulties in mart operators conducting these sales and vendors should have full and frank discussions with their auctioneers. 

All keepers within the RZ that have had positive animals, and under holding restrictions, should now have been notified directly by APHA that this has changed to affected animal restrictions only.  The remainder of the unaffected animals are free to move within the same controls that apply to all keepers in the RZ.  Animals that have been confirmed positive will remain under restriction for 60 days post the positive test – and with tight controls on breeding males and pregnant females as BTV can be transmitted via semen and newly born lambs/ calves.  Full details should have been shared with affected premises by APHA and any questions should be directed to the Defra Rural Services helpline 03000 200 301 and choose the relevant option for APHA. 

Regarding vaccinations some 90 keepers have reported using BTV3 vaccines to date with 2109 sheep and 1737 cattle having been vaccinated.  There have been 15 specific licences to vaccinate outside the high risk counties and a discussion will be held later this week on the possibility of lifting the requirement for specific licences in other parts of England. 

The BTV3 survey being conducted by Nottingham University has had 155 responses so far but only a small number from affected farms and we would encourage keepers to respond in order to influence future policy and industry actions. 

Please follow the listed links for details and the most up to date information.

11th October 2024

The number of newly confirmed Bluetongue (BTV) cases this week has slightly lowered but Defra is advising not to assume this means there is any change in the level of cases and new transmissions. Four new cases have been confirmed in Hertfordshire, Essex and North Yorkshire this week leading to the extension of the Restricted Zone (RZ) to now include Buckinghamshire and part of Berkshire as shown on the map above.

8th October 2024

The control zone has now been extended to include; Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, City of Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Sussex, Essex, Greater London, Hampshire (part), Hertfordshire, Kent, Leicestershire (part), Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Northamptonshire (part), Nottinghamshire, Suffolk, Surrey and West Sussex. Please refer to all government guidance for the latest information and procedures if you are now in a zone

STOP PRESS - 4th October 2024 5pm

We have been made aware that there will be extensions to the RZ this evening. It is likely that the RZ will be extended into part of Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire and Northamptonshire. This will have implications for anyone intending to move animals from these new RZ areas to any sales over the weekend and next week. We are expecting the interactive map (link at the top of our page) to be updated with these new boundaries this evening (Friday 4th Oct) so please continue to check.

4th October 2024

Bluetongue cases continue to rise slowly and significantly with two new cases in Wales – both from moves from high risk areas prior to Restricted Zones (RZ) being put in place. This brings the totally number of BTV cases to 117. In addition to the Wales cases, there are a number of positive cases in other counties in England outside the RZ and these, along with the cases in Wales, are being dealt with by culling and surveillance around the farms in a bid to avoid the need to instigate further TCZ or restrictions.

Defra is now reporting a number of specific licence requests for vaccines from outside RZs and vaccination is taking place but at a fairly low level. There are now two ‘red’ markets for the sale of slaughter only animals outside the RZ licenced to take animals from within the RZ with additional controls around their operating procedures. These are York and Selby. To sell animals from within an RZ at a slaughter market outside the RZ, you must still follow Defra regulations which can be found here.

Phil Stocker says: “People should not expect an imminent move to sell animals outside the RZ to go on to live but there are discussion starting about how this could take place. The industry and Defra are keen to continue the movement to trade and continue livestock businesses in any way we need to but the implementation of controls to reduce the risk will not be in place any time soon.”
The NSA website is an important resource for anyone wanting to check the current status of BTV, see the interactive map of the RZ and check licence requirements. We have easily accessible links at the top of the page which will take you directly to the required pages. There is also a link to the industry-created survey – details of which can be found further down in this email.

AHDB is running a series of webinars providing the latest updates and presentations from industry experts on BTV. Sign up and also watch past webinars here https://ahdb.org.uk/bluetongue

23rd September 2024 - Further cases and the expansion of the RZs

there have been at least a further 13 affected premises identified over the weekend.  Several of these have been close to the edges of the existing two RZs and so, as a result Defra extended both RZs, and joined them together.  This means there is currently one large restricted Zone that stretches from the south east coast of England up to Yorkshire, as can be seen on the interactive bluetongue map from APHA.  This change reflects the fact that the virus is still spreading.  

Controls to date have helped to reduce the rate of spread but it was inevitable with weather conditions remaining relatively conducive for midges that the longer the season the greater the level of spread.   The one larger RZ means that movements of livestock within the zone are now freer – but we would remind farmers of the need for care and vigilance, doing all you can to limit moves to essential ones, and checking all animals visually to avoid moving the virus.  

Remember it is an offence, and a huge disservice to livestock farmers elsewhere, to knowingly move animals suspected as having Bluetongue and you are required to report all suspect cases. 

NSA expects some stock of BTV3 vaccine to start becoming available towards the end of this week, although this will be limited and more will be available over the coming 3 – 4 weeks.  Vaccine licences are available on Gov.uk – a general licence that allows vaccination in high risk areas without advance permission, and a specific licence that needs to be approved in areas outside the high risk counties.  It is the farmers responsibility to read, and apply for vaccine licences where they are needed  and in all cases vaccines are under veterinary prescription so speak to you vet to discuss your situation.

19th September 2024 - Bluetongue vaccine information now available

FlockHealth, in collaboration with the organisations mentioned in the document, has released a vaccine comparison table (available for download here) for use by the UK veterinary associations.

17th September 2024 - Restriction zones are expanded as more cases emerge

As case numbers continue to rise the Bluetongue Restricted Zone (RZ) has today (Tuesday 17th September) been increased to include further areas of East Sussex, Kent, Lincolnshire and North Yorkshire. Animal movements within these areas can only be made following the approval of a general licence. Further details on these can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/bluetongue-movement-licences-and-designated-slaughterhouses.

NSA urges sheep and cattle farmers to remain vigilant to the potential symptoms of the virus, a table of which can be seen to the right (credit: APHA), and to report any suspected cases immediately. 

For the latest on the current situation NSA encourages farmers to visit the industry advice hubs – the links for which can be found at the bottom of this page.

13th September 2024 - Update on TCZs and RZs

With temperatures falling sharply this week, with ground frosts in many areas its possibly the best news we could hope for in relation to BTV3 and midge activity.  However cases continue to rise slowly, something we should expect given the up to 14 day incubation period between infection and symptoms showing, and in addition temperatures are forecast to rise later in the weekend and into next week.  So the early cold weather will help but we should expect the expansion of this virus to continue.  By the end of this week we have seen the number of premises with confirmed cases rise to 46.  Most of this increase has been seen within the RZ of Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex but we have also seen extensions to the TCZ in east Yorkshire, now reaching down into parts of Lincolnshire, and a new positive case was confirmed yesterday (12th Sept) near Faversham in Kent.  This latest development has seen the establishment of a new 20km TCZ around this premises which stops just short of Ashford market but will disrupt things next week for those farming within the TCZ.  Full and up to date details of the RZs and TCZs can be found here.

There has been progress with the BTV3 vaccine and NSA has met with manufacturers/agents for all 3 vaccines during the week.  The emergency use of these vaccines was sanctioned by the CVO last week and Defra expect to have licences for its use available during next week.  There will be two licences, a general licence that needs to be complied with but not granted within the high risk counties of Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Kent and West Sussex, and a specific licence that will need to be applied for and granted for areas in England outside the RZs.  These vaccines are not being allowed by Welsh Govt or Scottish Govt at this stage.   All available details on movement controls can be found here and on vaccines here.  NSA encourages members to keep an eye on our web site and Gov.Uk. 

5th September 2024 - New TCZ has been established in East Yorkshire

A single case has now been confirmed positive in East Yorkshire, right on the coast. This is most likely related to midges blown over from the continent and not part of any recirculation here in Britain. In this case, because it's outside the existing RZ the affected animal is being humanely dispatched and a 20km TCZ being established around the premises. The approach at this early stage is to treat this as a separate case and try to eliminate it from this area while further surveillance takes place. Keepers within this new 20km TCZ should use THIS Link to inform on specific movement restrictions and rules - these may well differ from those in the existing RZ in these early stages.

4th September 2024 - NSA welcomes Defra approval for use of bluetongue vaccine

The National Sheep Association (NSA) has welcomed the approval by Defra Secretary of State, Steve Reed, for the use of unauthorised BTV3 vaccines for bluetongue virus (BTV-3) within the UK, subject to licence.  

The approval was announced yesterday (Wednesday 4th September) following concerning outbreaks of the BTV-3 virus in several areas of Eastern England.

Licences are expected to be made available over the coming days to allow the distribution of vaccines in the coming weeks, although they are likely to be geographically targeted towards the high risk counties only in the first instance.  

NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker says: “This is a welcome and very necessary step to help control BTV-3 in the UK. Although the vaccines are suppressive in nature rather than preventative they are expected to dampen symptoms, reduce suffering and mortality, and hopefully reduce the risk of further transmission. But as they will not prevent infection entirely, animals within control areas will still be subject to movement controls and trade restrictions.”

NSA reiterates the fact that the vaccines will be only available through veterinary prescription, so initial interest should be via your private vet

Bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) vaccine permits - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)  

2nd September 2024 - Bluetongue emergency update from Phil Stocker, NSA Chief Executive 

Any newly emerging livestock disease situation inevitably creates confusion among farmers and others over what can and can’t be done and the emergence of bluetongue virus - BTV3 - in the English Eastern counties is no different. Explaining official controls when things change rapidly is difficult enough, but there is also then the matter of interpreting these into not just ‘what can I do’, but ‘what should I do’ in relation to business decisions. All communication from NSA on BTV3 will give links and updates informing keepers of the most up to date official information, and you can be assured NSA is involved in all Defra and Government forums to help decision making but also to assist in communicating this information back to farmers.  

For ease of use, over and above our own website, these are the two links we would guide members to. 

1. The official Government site Bluetongue: news, information and guidance for livestock keepers - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
2. The Ruminant Health and Welfare Group (RHWG) site Bluetongue Virus - Ruminant Health & Welfare (ruminanthw.org.uk).  

Please be aware that things are changing quickly. NSA is trying to keep everyone ‘in the know’ but things can change quickly, so please do make the effort to check the information is still up to date.

But even these will leave some farmers asking questions and the purpose of the following text aims to convert some of the controls into what I can and can not, and should and should not do on farm. Of course, final decisions will always be down to the individual farmer.

So, the virus is here and we now (as of 31st August) have 34 confirmed cases over 10 different premises with results from other suspect cases still pending. There is evidence that the virus is locally circulating here, by midge transmission, and not just being blown over by midges from the continent – so circulating in our own midge population. The earlier and smaller temporary control zones (TCZs) have been revoked, and now all of Norfolk. Suffolk, and Essex have been placed into a larger Restricted Zone (RZ) with the RZ expanding locally to encompass entire holdings. The aim of this is to recognise the virus is spreading and there is a desire to try to get ahead of the disease rather than chase it. The larger RZ also enables more business as usual to take place in the affected area – although it’s important to say that business as usual should not be the aim and the control of this disease will in part be down to individual farmers decisions to be as responsible as possible over moves and avoid moving animals unless it’s absolutely necessary.  

Surveillance is very different to the way it was being conducted last winter where whole flocks of sheep were being blood tested.  Now with the exception of tests done on suspected cases most surveillance in sheep is being done visually, looking for clinical signs which if found will lead to testing.   In cattle, due to less evidence of clinical signs, sentinel numbers of animals are being tested within a programme of targeted surveillance.   

Moves within the RZ, to slaughter and to live can be made without any additional licences to your normal movement licences. Stock can also be brought into the RZ from outside the zone without a licence. Moves from within the RZ to a designated abattoir outside the zone can be made using a general licence that can be downloaded with the requirements being fully adhered to. What cannot take place under a general licence is the movement of any stock from within the RZ to a premises outside of this zone to live – this needs a specific licence that will require approval prior to the move. This special licence needs to be applied for, through Animal & Plant and Health Agency (APHA) and it is currently asking for five days’ notice for these licences to be processed, so please plan ahead where possible. Animals moved to live in this way will require pre and post movement blood testing, more information of which can be found here. Livestock markets are operating in the same way within the same controls, so no moves out of the RZ to a mart outside the zone either for slaughter, breeding or store sales unless they go through a specific licence and are pre movement blood tested (and this is unlikely to be granted).

The situation will be causing concern for many farmers, creating uncertainty over whether new and expensive breeding stock should be brought into an area at risk, and similarly with store lambs, when compensation for any animals that die, or are put down on welfare grounds is highly unlikely. Compensation has been paid to date on animals humanely culled under order by APHA but as the disease has developed, automatic culling on positive cases is no longer taking place. In terms of sales off stock off farm  many farmers will be affected  and more will become affected as time progresses.  Selling slaughter stock should be able to go ahead but only direct to abattoirs and to a designated plant, while the selling of breeding and store stock can only practically take place if the entire move is within the RZ. Any exceptions will require the specific licence and pre movement testing so only likely for small numbers of high value stock.  We are hearing of a number of visits following suspicion of disease, where the record keeping regarding movements is ‘appalling’.  This make any hope of traceability virtually impossible and undermines all industry efforts to be able to present good data in a responsible way.  We would strongly advise keepers to ensure movement records are up to date and accurate, focussing on the period since end of July 2024, and would further encourage everyone to make use of the digital service provided by LI Ltd  Livestock Information Ltd 

In summary: 

• Animals can move into the RZ and within the RZ without additional licence.
• Animals can move to a designated slaughterhouse outside of the zone using the new general licence EXD 603(E) (GL).  Download licence, no application.
• Animals cannot move out of the RZ to live without a specific licence (applied for via APHA website) and a negative pre movement test. They will also need to be restricted at destination and have a post-movement test.
• Markets within the RZ can operate  if moves from the mart go to destinations within the RZ or to designated abattoirs outside the zone providing all conditions can be met.  

 Finally just to reiterate the need for care and responsibility over moves within the RZ. While animals are free to move within the RZ without a licence this brings a risk of viraemic animals being moved close to the edge of the RZ thereby risking onward transmission. Keepers should only move animals within the restricted zone where it is absolutely necessary to do so.

27th August 2024 - NSA warns members to remain vigilant with the first confirmed case of BTV3 in England

NSA members should be aware there is now an active case of BTV3 in England – the first identified case this summer after some 8 months since the cases that were identified last winter. 

 NSA  endeavour to keep members informed as things develop but as of today there is one case confirmed and 3 animals whose test results are pending. These cases/ potential cases are in Norfolk with one on the Suffolk border.  All animals have shown clinical symptoms of lameness, lesions in and around the mouth, and a loss of appetite.  At this early-stage animals confirmed positive will be humanely dispatched to reduce risks of onward transmission by biting midges.   Cattle and sheep keepers are strongly encouraged to be vigilant and report any suspicions to their vet, be proactively on the lookout for signs of the disease, and to be co-operative if contacted by Defra/ APHA for testing.  It is estimated that the disease would have arrived here by midges somewhere between the 11th and 14th August when weather conditions were particularly suitable.  Currently a 20km Temporary Control Zone has been established around the confirmed case with all movements in and out of the zone only allowed under licence, including moves to slaughter.  As far as is known there are no abattoirs and no livestock markets within the TCZ. 

The current licence guidance on licensing is here Bluetongue movement licences and designated slaughterhouses - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 

Below are links to advice hubs and technical webinars on BTV3

Bluetongue virus | AHDB

Bluetongue Virus - Ruminant Health & Welfare (ruminanthw.org.uk)