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ARCHIVE: Bluetongue: Movement guidance and licences
Bluetongue disease control restrictions are in place.
The Bluetongue (BTV8) Lower Risk Zone includes the English, Welsh and Scottish Lower Risk Zones. Other European Member States are part of a larger European BTV8 Restricted Zone which includes Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Czech Republic and parts of France. Imports from these Member States will now be subject to additional import controls into GB.
- Map: English Lower Risk Zone, Welsh Lower Risk Zone and Scottish BTV8 Lower Risk Zone (PDF 540 KB)
- 7 June 2010 - Declaration of a Protection Zone in England in accordance with Article 7 (2a) of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1266/2007 (PDF)
- Map of the existing restriction zones of the countries affected by Bluetongue.
Movements are permitted within confluent zones, but export rules apply. To move livestock out of the Lower Risk Zone you will need to meet International Trade requirements as set out in EU Bluetongue Regulations. Please see links below for further details. Remember to consider the risks and check the health and vaccination status of animals when sourcing any animals, from within the UK or abroad.
Purpose of the Lower Risk Zone
The purpose of the Lower Risk Zone is to control Bluetongue, facilitate exports and provide GB with additional protection from other BTV8 zones within Europe. It is based on our contingency plans and continued work with the industry.
It is important to remember that more than one set of rules may apply when moving livestock.
When is a licence necessary?
Vaccine
- if you need to obtain BTV8 vaccine from wholesalers/manufacturers, you will need a licence (EXD 487)
- if you need to vaccinate your animals against BTV8 you will need a licence (EXD 488).
Movement guidance
The EU Commission Regulation 1266/2007 on Bluetongue allows the movement of ruminant animals, including camelids (llamas, alpaca, guanaco and vicuñas), out of a Lower Risk Zone under certain conditions. This is to minimise the risk of infected animals moving to a disease-free area.
Animal keepers wishing to undertake such moves must consider the guidance below, which outlines the types of moves permitted and the conditions that must be met.
For further information on Export please visit the International Trade website.
NOTE: To meet protected from vector attack conditions will need to meet the criteria set out in the guidance for both keepers and private vets.
- Criteria for protection from vector attack (PDF 23 KB)
Licences
Check the licence conditions carefully to ensure you comply with them all. The following licences on this page apply to England only. For licences that apply to Wales please see the Welsh Assembly Government website. For licences that apply to Scotland please see the Scottish Government website.
General licence
| Subject | Licence number | Last updated | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Movement | EXD 485(BT) | 12/06/10 | General Licence for the movement of ruminant animals, semen, ovum or embryo from premises in a Bluetongue Restricted Zone to an area outside of the England Restricted Zone |
Vaccination
| Subject | Licence number | Last updated | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obtaining vaccine | EXD487(BT) | 12/12/08 | General licence for obtaining BTV8 vaccine from manufacturers or wholesalers |
| Vaccination of animals | EXD488(BT) | 09/06/10 | General licence to vaccinate animals against Bluetongue (BTV8) in England |
Page last modified: 3 December, 2010