Farmtalking

DEFRA
News -12th September 2008

Bluetongue affected premises - DEFRA confirm a total of 145 premises affected by Bluetongue. The latest detected are six imported cattle on a premises near Worcester, originating from Germany and one cow on a premises near Dorchester in Dorset, who originated from France. All the latest cases were detected as a result of post-import testing carried out by DEFRA on all Bluetongue susceptible animals arriving from Continental Europe. Further details of recent cases are available - Click here!

DEFRA
News -10th September 2008

Information bulletin: Bluetongue detected in County Durham.- Click here!

News
4th September 2008

The Global Control of FMD - Tools, Ideas and Ideals
An International conference to be held in Erice, Sicily (Italy) 14th to 17th October 2008 - Click here!

FMD Video Competition from Warmwell - Click here!

News
3rd September 2008

The Agenda for the SCoFCAH meeting today (.pdf 33.97KB (34787 bytes) - Click here!
Includes - Exchange of views and possible opinion of the Committee on a Draft Commission Regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 1266/2007 as regards the minimum requirements for bluetongue monitoring and surveillance programmes

DEFRA
1st September 2008

Declaration:
Bluetongue Protection Zone - Declaration and definitive map (PDF 360 KB) - Click here!
NB. This declaration came into force at 00:01 on 1st September 2008.

News
29th August 2008

African Horse Sickness
The letter from the ELA to the EU urging a change in AHS legislation
26th August 2008 (. pdf 92.88KB (95112 bytes) - Click here!

Bluetongue - Denmark
Re-occurrence of Bluetongue affecting cattle and sheep - Click here!

Bluetongue - France
BTV 8 and BTV1 spreading in France (latest situation) - Click here!

DEFRA
29th August 2008

Information bulletin:
Defra confirms Bluetongue detected in Devon and extension of Protection Zone into Northumberland and Cumbria to allow vaccination in all of England. - Click here!

DEFRA
27th August 2008

Information bulletin:
Bluetongue detected in East Sussex and Hertfordshire. - Click here!

News
August 25th 2008

Bluetongue in France - (Latest Situation) - Click here!

News
August 18th 2008

Extension of Bluetongue Zone to allow further vaccination - Click here!

News
August 18th 2008

Bluetongue in France - (Latest situation) - Click here!

News
August 14th 2008

Avoid TB skin test after bluetongue vaccination - Click here!

FARMERS are being advised not to carry out a TB skin test at the same time as vaccinating against bluetongue after the vaccine generated false positives on some TB tests.

The adjuvants present in the vaccine can cause false positives on TB tests as a result of the immune response they stimulate and farmers are being advised to avoid using it with the skin tests.

A Defra spokesperson said: “It is not recommend that any medicines, including bluetongue vaccines, should be administered at the time of injection of tuberculin (your vet’s first visit) in order to avoid any risk of interference with the TB test.

“No problems are expected with using medicines on the day of the reading of the skin test (your vet’s second visit).”

Sheep farmers are being advised not to use the vaccine within two weeks either side of tupping. Some vets have already sent letters to their farmers warning them that vaccinating within two weeks of putting a ram into a ewe, or from the planned tupping date, could render the vaccine ineffective.

Alasdair King, veterinary manager at Intervet, said: “Our advice on the bluetongue vaccine is the same with any other vaccine – we would not advise using it within two weeks of mating.”

News
August 12th 2008

Bad EC rules lead to bad consequences - Click here!

News
August 11th 2008 Bluetongue Science

Midge-hunting scientists tackle bluetongue
Scientists at the Institute for Animal Health have released a video demonstrating a novel way of monitoring midges. To view the video - Click here!

Bluetongue Diagnosis - A follow-up investigation into bluetongue negative report cases in England and Wales 2007 by the Veterinary Laboratories Agency July 2008 (726.32KB (743747 bytes) - Click here!

Bluetongue
DEFRA

Latest situation - As of 00.01 Monday 11 August 2008 the Protection Zone will be extended again to cover the Counties of Durham and Tyne and Wear (Metropolitan Boroughs of Newcastle upon Tyne, North Tyneside, Gateshead, South Tyneside and Sunderland) and the Unitary Authorities of Hartlepool, Darlington, Stockton-on-Tees, Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland.

Declaration: Bluetongue Protection Zone - Declaration and definitive map (PDF 550 KB) - This declaration will come into force at 00:01 on 11th August 2008. - Click here!

Extension has been agreed following a review of the vaccine available in the supply chain.
Vaccination is only permitted within the Protection Zone. We will continue to expand the Protection Zone and to roll out vaccination to the free area as vaccine is delivered in line with our published vaccination roll-out plan. - Click here!

Latest situation on vaccination - Click here!

The additional vaccine is available for use in the existing Protection Zone from today, along with any existing supplies of Intervet vaccine. Livestock keepers in the areas coming into the Protection Zone will be able to obtain the vaccine from Thursday. However, they are encouraged to order vaccine so that they can protect their livestock at the earliest opportunity.

Bluetongue has recently re-emerged in large areas of France. All livestock farmers are strongly encouraged to be vigilant and to vaccinate at the earliest possible opportunity. The message is clear “Don’t hesitate, vaccinate”.

Livestock keepers may apply to have land which they occupy within 8km of the Bluetongue Surveillance Zone to be designated as part of that zone. Further information - Click here!

Movements to slaughter - Click here!

As at 17:00 on 7 August 2008 there were 138 confirmed premises affected by Bluetongue. The most recent cases were found as a result of pre-movement testing during the vector-free period.

Interactive map
Search by postcode to see if you are in the Surveillance Zone or the Protection Zone - Click here!

Map: Protection Zone and Welsh Protection Zone, 7th August 2008 (PDF 1.5MB) - Click here!

Check if you are affected - See movement guidance and licences - Click here!

Declarations - Click here!

Bluetongue
6th August 2008

NFU Scotland - Bluetongue Meeting in Shetland - Click here!

Bluetongue
5th August 2008

Bluetongue zone to go cover all Wales - Click here!

DEFRA

News release: Extension of Bluetongue Protection Zone to allow further vaccination - Click here!
Revised licences: EXD482(BT), EXD483(BT) and EXD484(BT) - Movement of animals out of a Bluetongue Protection Zone or Bluetongue Surveillance Zone - Click here!

Bluetongue
4th August 2008

Merial's Bluetongue vaccine BTVPUR AlSap 8™ was licensed on 17th July.
For the data sheet for this vaccine- Click here!

Bluetongue
1st August 2008

New EU wide Bluetongue movement regulation comes into force today - Click here!

DEFRA
28th July 2008

Declaration: Bluetongue Protection Zone - Declaration and definitive map (.pdf 600 KB) - This declaration came into force at 00:01 on 28th July 2008. - Click here!
Revised licenses: EXD482(BT), EXD483(BT) and EXD484(BT) - Movement of animals out of a Bluetongue Protection Zone or Bluetongue Surveillance Zone. - Click here!

DEFRA
25th July 2008
Bluetongue: Latest situation

Livestock keepers in the Protection Zone should contact their private vet to place an order. The message is clear “Don’t hesitate, vaccinate”.

Livestock keepers may apply to have land which they occupy within 8km of the Bluetongue Surveillance Zone to be designated as part of that zone. Further information... - Click here!

As at 13:00 on 25th July 2008 there were 136 confirmed premises affected by Bluetongue. The most recent cases were found as a result of pre-movement testing during the vector-free period. This figure will normally be updated weekly on a Friday where necessary.

Interactive Map
Search by postcode to see if you are in the Surveillance Zone or the Protection Zone. - Click here!
Map: Protection Zone, Surveillance Zone and Welsh Protection Zone, 21st July 2008 (.pdf 1.5MB) - Click here!
Check if you are affected - See movement guidance and licenses - Click here!
Declarations.- Click here!
News release: Extension of Bluetongue Protection Zone to allow further vaccination - Click here!

DEFRA
21st July 2008

Declaration:
Bluetongue Protection Zone & Surveillance Zone - Declaration and definitive map (.pdf 510 KB) - Click here!
NB.This declaration came into force at 00:01 on 21 July 2008.

19th July 2008

African Horse Sickness - Newmarket Conference Report - Click here!

DEFRA
17th July 2008 News release:
Extension of Bluetongue Protection Zone allow further vaccination:
Merial Bluetongue Vaccine Licensed - Click here!

DEFRA - Monday 14th July 2008 10:32am
Vaccination vital to protect rare livestock in Bluetongue protection zone

Keepers of rare and traditional breeds of susceptible animals in the Bluetongue Protection Zone in England and Wales were urged today to contact their vets to arrange urgent vaccination of their animals.

Professor Geoff Simm, Chair of the National Standing Committee on Farm Animal Genetic Resources said:

"We are concerned that some keepers of rare and traditional breeds, especially those with smaller flocks and herds, may not have heard the vaccination message. It is a vital step in helping to protect our rich heritage of livestock breeds, therefore we are also urging vets to contact their clients with these breeds to encourage them to vaccinate.

"Protecting biodiversity in our farm animals and crops is important to help us meet future challenges, including that of feeding the growing human population in a sustainable way. We also have important national and international obligations to do so. Exotic diseases pose a particular threat to our Farm Animal Genetic Resources, both to rare breeds and to elite herds and flocks of mainstream breeds".

The UK has one of the richest Farm Animal Genetic Resources in the developed world, with over 130 native breeds of poultry, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, horses and ponies, of which around 100 are at risk of extinction.

Public enquiries - Tel:08459 335577 - Click here!

DEFRA
13th July 2008 Revised license: EXD468(BT) - Transit through an area free from restrictions - Click here!

DEFRA
9th July 2008

Information Bulletin: Extension of Bluetongue Protection Zone to allow further vaccination - Click here!
Revised licenses: EXD482(BT), EXD483(BT) and EXD484(BT) - Movement of animals out of a Bluetongue Protection Zone or Bluetongue Surveillance Zone - Click here!

DEFRA - Bird Flu (Avian Influenza)
8th July 2008

Declaration: Declaration revoking the declaration of a protection zone, and surveillance zone made at 11:30 on 6th June 2008 (.pdf 40 KB) - Click here!
International trade:
Customer Information Note: UK Trade Restrictions due to Avian Influenza (AI).- Click here!

DEFRA - Bird Flu (Avian Influenza)
7th July 2008

Information bulletin: Avian Influenza - Remaining restrictions lifted. - Click here!

DEFRA
7th July 2008

Bovine TB: £20 million for vaccination development - Click here!

DEFRA
2nd July 2008

Information Bulletin:
Extension of Bluetongue Protection Zone to allow further vaccination - Click here!
Declaration:
Bluetongue Protection Zone & Surveillance Zone - Declaration and definitive map (.pdf 524 KB)
Please note: This declaration comes into force at 00:01 on 7 July 2008 - Click here!

DEFRA
1st July 2008

News release: PCR test for Bluetongue now available from the Veterinary Laboratories Agency - Click here!

25th June 2008
Scotland secures Bluetongue Vaccine - 27th June 2008 - Click here!

25th June 2008
Land-Care - (comments on)
Scottish stakeholders meeting on bluetongue vaccination Monday 23rd June - Click here!

Scottish Government -
Foot and Mouth Disease Review 2007: Economic Impact in Scotland (.pdf 201.82KB (206660 bytes) - Click here!

DEFRA
25th June 2008

News release:
Bluetongue update: Extension of the Protection Zone to allow further vaccination - Click here!
Declaration:
Bluetongue Protection Zone & Surveillance Zone - Declaration and definitive map (pdf. 480 KB) - Click here!
Please note: This declaration doesn't come into effect until 27th June 2008 at 12:00.

DEFRA
24th June 2008

New license: EXD484(BT)(E) -
General license for the movement of ruminant animals other than cattle and sheep out of a Bluetongue Protection Zone or a Bluetongue Surveillance Zone including movements to free areas outside England or Wales or for export. - Click here!

DEFRA
17th June 2008

News release: Avian influenza epidemiology report published. To view the report - Click here!
Epidemiology report: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H7N7, Oxfordshire, June 2008.
Situation at 12.30pm Wednesday 11th June (.pdf 565KB) - Click here!

An indicative timeline to lifting Avian Influenza restrictions in Oxfordshire has been published to help poultry and egg producers and others whose business is affected by disease control restrictions. - Click here!

Advice and information on H7N7 avian influence is available via the Defra Helpline on Tel: 08459 33 55 77. Poultry keepers call the Animal Health recorded information line for the latest updates - Tel: 0844 884 4600

DEFRA
13th June 2008

Revised licence:
EXD483(BT)(E) - General license for movement of cattle/sheep out of a BT Protection Zone or BT Surveillance Zone including movements to free areas outside England or Wales or for export. - Click here!

12th June 2008
Merial wins tender for more Bluetongue Vaccine for DEFRA - Click here!

Harlow - Following the award of the second Defra tender, Merial Animal Health is now preparing to deliver bluetongue virus serotype 8 (BTV8) vaccine to England and Wales, starting in July.

Said Merial Head of Production Animal Business, Graham Davenport:
'We are delighted to have received this order from Defra and we will be working hard to ensure there is continuity of supply for farmers in England and Wales. All Merial’s bluetongue vaccines, world-wide, start their life at our Pirbright Vaccines Centre in Surrey before being finished in Lyon, France. So it is particularly pleasing for us to have gained business here in the UK. This adds to previous bluetongue vaccine orders, beginning back in 2004, from Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy and Spain. “We will start to deliver vaccine to England and Wales in July; in the meantime we will be putting in place the necessary veterinary technical support.'

Defra announced on 11th June that it is placing an order with Merial to deliver 13 million doses of BTV8 vaccine, 8 million for use in England and 5 million for use in Wales. The Merial vaccine, BTVPUR AlSap® 8, will be available in 100ml bottles and is expected to require one 1ml dose in sheep and two 1ml doses in cattle, given four weeks apart.

About Merial
Merial is a world-leading, innovation-driven animal health company, providing a comprehensive range of products to enhance the health, well-being and performance of a wide range of animals. Merial employs more than 5000 people and operates in more than 150 countries worldwide. Its 2007 sales were nearly $2.5 billion. Merial Limited is a joint venture between Merck & Co., Inc. and sanofi-aventis. For more information, please see www.merial.co.uk.

For further information please contact:
Philip Connolly
Tel: 01279-775846
e-Mail: philip.connolly@merial.com

DEFRA
11th June 2008

News release: Order placed for additional Bluetongue vaccine. - Click here!
Revised licenses: EXD464(BT)(E) - General license for the movement of ruminant animals out of a Protection Zone to slaughter in an area free from Bluetongue restrictions in England or Wales - Click Here!
General license:
For the movement of ruminant animals from premises in a Protection Zone to slaughter at premises outside the Protection Zone but within the Restricted Zone in England or Wales. EXD466(BT)(E) - Click here!

DEFRA
9th June 2008

Consultation on proposals for the "Health Check" of the EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) - Click here!

DEFRA
6th June 2008
Bluetongue: Latest situation

Further to previous updates regarding the roll-out of vaccination in the UK, the batch of vaccine which was due in the week on 2 June is still undergoing further testing before it can be released.
There are no concerns with the production process, or with vaccine that has been delivered to this date. This is an issue with an individual batch which requires further investigation. So far, Intervet (the vaccine supplier) has delivered vaccine much quicker than expected.

We are therefore continuing to work closely with Intervet on determining the availability of the next batches of vaccine and the impact that this will have on the roll-out of vaccination. As soon as further batches of vaccine are available, we will continue to expand the Protection Zone in line with our previous announcement on 23 May and the published vaccination roll-out plan.

Further information is likely to be available by 12th June, and a further announcement will be made on the basis of that information

Livestock keepers in the Protection Zone should contact their private vet to place an order. The message is clear “Don’t hesitate, vaccinate”. Further information on vaccination - Click here!

Livestock keepers may apply to have land which they occupy within 8km of the Bluetongue Surveillance Zone to be designated as part of that zone. Further information - Click here!

As at 17:00 on 6th June 2008 there were 136 confirmed premises affected by Bluetongue. The most recent cases were found as a result of pre-movement testing during the vector-free period. This figure will normally be updated weekly on a Friday where necessary.

For the Declaration of Protection & Surveillance Zones and a Map - Click here!

Hilary Benn's written ministerial statement - 4th June - Click here!
Defra Information Bulletin in full - Click Here!
Map and Declaration of an Avian Influenza Protection Zone and Surveillance Zone (.pdf 660 KB) - Click here!

DEFRA
3rd June 2008

Bird Flu - Avian Influenza - Situation on 3 June

The Chief Veterinary Officer, Nigel Gibbens, has today confirmed Avian Influenza in chickens on premises near Banbury in Oxfordshire after preliminary tests were positive for the H7 strain. All birds on the premises will be slaughtered as a precautionary measure.

Laboratory testing continues and results which will allow confirmation of whether the strain is high or low pathogenicity will follow. A detailed epidemiological investigation to better understand the origin and development of the disease is underway.

A Temporary Control Zone with a 3km inner zone and a 10km outer zone is being established around the Infected Premises. A number of measures apply. All birds must be housed or otherwise isolated from contact with wild birds in the inner zone. Bird gatherings are banned and all other movements of birds and some products are banned in the whole of the Temporary Control Zone. Defra is urgently considering whether any wider measures may be needed.

Poultry keepers are urged to be extremely vigilant, practice the highest levels of biosecurity and report any suspicions of disease to their local Animal Health Office immediately.

The Health Protection Agency has advised that it is important to remember that H7 avian flu remains largely a disease of birds. The virus does not transmit easily to humans, as evidenced by the small number of confirmed infections worldwide to date. Almost all human H7 infections documented so far have been associated with close contact with dead or dying poultry. The risk to human health posed by H7 avian influenza viruses remains low. Nonetheless, the local Health Protection Unit will be identifying and following up those who may have had contact with the infected poultry and provide guidance and advice, and preventative medication as appropriate.

Dr Judith Hilton, Food Standards Agency head of microbiological safety, said:

“This case of bird flu on a premises in Banbury, Oxfordshire poses no safety implications for the human food chain. Properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat. The science shows that the virus isn't contracted by eating food – but usually by close contact with infected birds.”

All poultry keepers on the GB Poultry Register are being notified, and the EU Commission has been informed.

Defra news release (in full) - Click here!

Further information:

Defra's information regarding avian influenza (bird flu) - Click here!
Food Standards Agency - Click here!
Health Protection Agency information - Click here!

Bluetongue
Information Bulletin - Update on roll-out of Bluetongue vaccination - Click here!

Further to the update on 30th May regarding the roll-out of vaccination into Cornwall and the Restricted Zone in Wales, the batch of vaccine which was due this week needs to undergo further testing before it can be released. The extension of the Protection Zone which we were expecting to make, subject to the delivery of vaccine, will therefore no longer be going ahead this week.

There are no concerns with the production process, or with vaccine that has been delivered to this date. This is an issue with an individual batch which requires further investigation. So far, Intervet has delivered vaccine much quicker than expected.

We are working very closely with Intervet on determining the availability of the next batches of vaccine and the impact that this will have on the roll-out of vaccination. As soon as further batches of vaccine are available, we will continue to expand the Protection Zone in line with the published vaccination roll-out plan.

DEFRA
2nd June 2008

Publication of the Chief Veterinary Officer’s annual report 2007 (pdf 1474.15KB (1509529 bytes) - Click here!

DEFRA
26th May 2008

Declaration of a Protection Zone and a Surveillance Zone (.pdf 800 KB) - Click here!

DEFRA
23rd May 2008

Information bulletin:
Bluetongue update: extension of the protection zone to allow further vaccination, and future plans - Click here
Declaration of a Protection Zone and a Surveillance Zone (.pdf 512 KB) - Click here!
Please note: This declaration does not come into force until 6:00am on Monday 26th May 2008
The following declaration applies until then:
Declaration of a Protection Zone and a Surveillance Zone (.pdf 480 KB) - Click here!

DEFRA
19th May 2008

International Trade - Customer Information Note:
Bluetongue – Intra-community trade and exports to third countries of susceptible animals - Click here!

DEFRA
16th May 2008

Information bulletin:
Bluetongue update: extension of protection zone to allow further vaccination - Click here!
Declaration - Protection Zone and a Surveillance Zone (.pdf 480 KB) - Click here!
Map:Bluetongue Disease
Protection Zone, Surveillance Zone and Welsh Restricted Zone (.pdf 1.5 MB) - Click here!

DEFRA
8th May 2008

News release: Bluetongue update:
Extension of protection zone to allow further vaccination; epidemiology report published - Click here!

Epidemiology report:
Report on the distribution of Bluetongue infection in Great Britain on 15th March 2008 (.pdf 622 KB) - Click here!

DEFRA
7th May 2008

News release: Government tender for Bluetongue vaccine - Click here!

DEFRA
2nd May 2008

Bluetongue - General movement license EXD479(BT) has been updated - Click here!

29th April 2008
Bluetongue Vaccine released - Click here!

DEFRA
28th April 2008

General movement licenses have been updated. - Click here!

25th April 2008
Emerging Equine Diseases Seminar - For details and to book a place (.pdf 55.44KB (56768 bytes) - Click here!

DEFRA
17th April 2008

Bluetongue - International trade: Customer Information Note:
Intra-community trade and exports to third countries of susceptible animals - Click here!

16th April 2008
Review of Funding, Governance & Risk Management at the Institute of Animal Health - Click here!

15th April 2008
Agriculture - The Need for Change - A video Link - Click here!
The Reports:
from the International Assessment of Agricultural Science and Technology for Development - Click here!

DEFRA
9th April 2008

Scotland opts for compulsory Bluetongue vaccination - Click here!

The European Livestock Association (ELA) writes to the EU Commission and Council with regard to vaccination being allowed in disease free zones - Click here!

DEFRA
3rd April 2008

Information bulletin: Extension of Bluetongue protection zones - Click here!
Declaration: Bluetongue Protection Zone & Surveillance Zone - Declaration and definitive map (.pdf 470 KB) - This revised version replaces the 28th March declaration. - Click here!
Map: Bluetongue Disease - Protection Zones, Surveillance Zone and Welsh Restricted Zone
(.pdf 2 MB - Please note this is a large file) - Click here!
Information bulletin: Bluetongue vaccination roll out plan published - Click here!
UK Bluetongue vaccine roll-out plan - Click here!
Vaccination operational guidance - Vets and farmers - Click here!

Bluetongue
April 2nd

Intervet gets bluetongue vaccine license - BTV8 Bovilis - Click here!

National Beef Association Petitions Europe - Click here!

Bluetongue - Press Release from Fort Dodge
31st March

Fort Dodge Animal Health Appointed by Belgian Government to Provide Bluetongue Serotype 8 Vaccine

Amsterdam, 31 March 2008 - Fort Dodge Animal Health, a division of Wyeth (NYSE: WYE), today announced that the Belgian Government has ordered the Company’s Zulvac® 8 vaccine to protect cattle against Bluetongue Serotype 8 disease. Bluetongue Serotype 8 was first identified in Belgium in August 2006.

Fort Dodge is one of two companies appointed by the Belgian Government to produce Bluetongue Serotype 8 vaccine. Fort Dodge will produce the vaccine at its manufacturing facility in Weesp, The Netherlands.

Fort Dodge has already been appointed by the Spanish Government to supply Bluetongue Serotype 8 vaccine, and is in discussions with authorities in a number of other European countries to supply the vaccine. It is also already supplying vaccines to protect Spanish and French cattle and sheep against Bluetongue Serotypes 4 and 1.

In addition to supplying vaccine, Fort Dodge is providing Flectron, Dysect and Renegade insecticides, which are proven to aid in the control of Culicoides spp., the vector of the disease.

“The fight to protect cattle and sheep against Bluetongue is one of the most critical challenges facing the European farming industry today,” says Marc Snacken, Business Manager Livestock, Fort Dodge Europe, Africa and Middle East. “We are pleased to be able support the Belgian

DEFRA
28th March 2008

Declaration: Bluetongue Protection Zone & Surveillance Zone - Declaration and definitive map (.pdf 470 KB) - This revised version replaces the 20th March declaration. - Click here!

Map: Bluetongue Disease - Protection Zones, Surveillance Zone and Welsh Restricted Zone (.pdf 2 MB) - Please note this is a large file) - Click here!

Information bulletin: Extension of Bluetongue Protection Zones.- Click here!

21st March 2

Farmers turn to the EU - Click here!
A special report on the involvement of badgers in the spread of bovine tuberculosis has been compiled by a group of Westcountry farmers and vets and is being sent next week to the European Union's Farms Cpmmission.

20th March 2008

What is the NFUS stance on the use of Bluetongue vaccine in Scotland? - Click here!

DEFRA
Declaration:
Bluetongue Protection Zone & Surveillance Zone - Declaration and definitive map (.pdf 502 KB) - Click here!
This revised version replaces yesterday's Declaration (with the SZ description adjusted slightly to clarify that Rochdale is included in the SZ).
Map: Bluetongue Disease - Protection Zones, Surveillance Zone and Welsh Restricted Zone - Click here!
(.pdf 1.4 MB) Please note this is a large file.

DEFRA
19th March 2008

As at 14:00 on 19 March 2008 there were 110 confirmed premises affected by Bluetongue. The most recent cases were found as a result of pre-movement testing during the vector-free period. This figure will normally be updated weekly on a Friday where necessary.

Information bulletin: Extension of Bluetongue Protection Zone - Click Here!
Declaration:
Bluetongue Protection Zone & Surveillance Zone-Declaration and definitive map (.pdf 197KB) - Click here!
Map:
Bluetongue - Protection Zones, Surveillance Zone and Welsh Restricted Zone - Click here!
(.pdf 2.5 MB - Please note this is a large file)

March 18th 2008

Twelve Industry organizations urge farmers to JAB for bluetongue -

Dairy UK
National Farmers Union
National Beef Association
National Sheep Association
Tenant Farmers Association
The Sheep Veterinary Society
British Veterinary Association
Livestock Auctioneers Association
British Meat Processors Association
British Cattle Veterinary Association
Country Land and Business Association
Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers
Association of Independent Meat Suppliers

March 16th 2008

If you don't want to have to double tag your sheep...
Please click the button above to sign the Petition organized by The Scottish Farmer and the NFUS

Bluetongue -
Re: BT Vaccine shortage and the FMD 2007 Review also - Click here!
Maternal (feotal) Infection - Sabine Zentis (.pdf 356.75KB (365310 bytes) - Click here!

DEFRA
March 14th 2008 -
As at 14:00 on 14th March 2008 there were 108 confirmed premises affected by Bluetongue. The most recent cases were found as a result of pre-movement testing during the vector-free period.
This figure will normally be updated weekly on a Friday where necessary - Click here!

Bluetongue - Scotland
12th March 2007

Scotland’s Animal Health and Welfare Stakeholder Group
Bluetongue Vaccination Strategy Update - Position 7th March 2008 - Click here!

PRESS RELEASE: Fort Dodge - Click here!

11th March 2008

The Foot and Mouth Disease Review 2007 (.pdf file 1423.12KB (1457275 bytes)- Click here!
For a smaller version of the FMD Review (.pdf file 981.06KB (1004607 bytes) - Click here!
Farmtalking's submission to the (Anderson Inquiry) FMD Review 2007 - Click here!

Please note: Bluetongue Vector Free Period Ends -
DEFRA advises - Livestock keepers wish to move their animals before 15th March, should ensure they leave enough time to carry out pre-movement testing of their animals, receive negative results, and move the animals before 23:59 on 15th March. So if you are in the Protection Zone, unless you've had your animals tested already, it is too late to move them now.

DEFRA
March 8th 2008 -
New Members Appointed to Council for Science and Technology - Click Here!

March 7th 2008 -

As at 13:00 on 7th March 2008 there were 101 confirmed premises affected by Bluetongue.
The most recent cases were found as a result of pre-movement testing currently required in the vector-free period. Through the course of surveillance work and pre-movement testing it is possible that other new cases will be identified during the vector free season. The vector free period will end at 23:59hrs on 15th March.
This figure will normally be updated weekly on a Friday where necessary.

International Trade -
Customer Information Note: Movements of bluetongue susceptible animals to Northern Ireland - Click here!

Three Video Interviews about Bluetongue with...
A vet from Holland - Dr. Toon Meesters - Click here!
Dr. Chris Oura from Pirbright - Click here!
Julian Dare from the Westpoint Veterinary Group - Click here!

SCOTLAND
March 5th 2008 -

Scottish Government Agricultural Survey Results December 2007 - Click here!

'About Bluetongue'
A report on the Meeting in the Borders of Scotland on 22nd February 2008 - Click here!

DEFRA
29th February 2008

Declaration:
Bluetongue Protection Zone & Surveillance Zone - Declaration and definitive map (.pdf 197 KB) - Click Here!
Information bulletin:
Extension of Bluetongue Protection Zone - Click here!

Scotland - To order twelve (12) million doses of Bluetongue vaccine - Click here!
Intervet - Twenty-seven (27) million doses of BTv8 ordered for France - Click here!

DEFRA
26th February 2008

New license: EXD478 -
General license for the movement of ruminant animals from premises in a Surveillance Zone in England to premises in a Restricted Zone in Wales - Click here!
News release: Animal Health launches news alert service - Click here!
Further information about the Animal Health Disease Alert Service - Click here!
News release: National Livestock Markets Roadshow 2008 - Click here!

DEFRA
22nd February 2008

FMD Information bulletin: World Animal Health Organisation (OIE) grants UK FMD free status - Click here!

Bluetongue: Latest situation
From 21 December, movements to live outside of the Bluetongue zones are permitted, subject to compliance with specific conditions. Livestock keepers may also apply to have land which they occupy within 8km of the Bluetongue Surveillance Zone to be designated as part of that zone.
For further information - Click here!

Defra confirmed on 28 September the circulation of Bluetongue disease between the local animal and midge population in East Anglia. The disease has since been confirmed in other parts of south-east England. Surveillance and Protection Zones have been established and are extended when necessary.

As at 13:00 on 22 February 2008 there were 81 confirmed premises affected by Bluetongue. The most recent cases were found as a result of pre-movement testing currently required in the vector-free period. Through the course of surveillance work and pre-movement testing it is possible that other new cases will be identified during the vector free season. This figure will normally be updated weekly on a Friday where necessary.

Interactive map
Search by postcode to see if you are in the Surveillance Zone or the Protection Zone.- Click here!
Check if you are affected - See movement guidance and licences - Click here!
Declarations - Click here!
The Bluetongue Order 2007 - Click here!
Epidemiological report: Epidemiological report on the outbreak of bluetongue (.pdf 700 KB) - Click here!

Today Defra announced the extension of the Bluetongue Surveillance Zone into Cornwall and that the vector free period would end at 23:59 on 15 March 2008. If livestock keepers wish to move their animals before the end of the vector free period, they should ensure they leave enough time to carry out pre-movement testing of their animals, receive negative results, and move the animals before 23:59 on 15 March.
For further information - Click here!

Information bulletin:Bluetongue Update:
Surveillance zone extended to Cornwall/Defra announces date for end of vector-free period - Click here!
Declaration:
Bluetongue Protection Zone & Surveillance Zone - Declaration and definitive map (.pdf 197 KB) - Click here!

Map:
Bluetongue Disease - Protection Zones, Surveillance Zone and Welsh Restricted Zone (.pdf 2.83 MB - Please note this is a large file) - Click here!

DEFRA
21st February 2008

Revised licences: EXD464 - General licence for the movement of ruminating animals out of a Protection Zone to slaughter in an area free from Bluetongue restrictions - Click here!
EXD465 - General licence for the movement of ruminating animals out of a Surveillance Zone to slaughter in an area free from Bluetongue restrictions - Click here!

DEFRA
19th February 2008

Ministerial Statement by Hilary Benn: Update on Bluetongue Disease, Avian Influenza and Foot and Mouth Disease - Click here!

New licence: EXD477 - General licence for the movement of ruminant animals from part of a premises in a Surveillance Zone to another part of the same premises in a Restricted Zone in Wales - Click here!

DEFRA
18th February 2008

A Bluetongue vaccination plan has been published.- Click here!

Welsh Bluetonge Declaration Index
13th February 2008

Whenever the National Assembly for Wales learns of an outbreak of a notifiable disease, which could threaten animal health in Wales, a declaration notice is issued
Bluetongue Declaration of Restricted Zone - Click here!

Declaration 2 to support General Licence (BT) 5 (W) to move animals under the Bluetongue (NO.2) (Wales) Order 2007 during the vector free period - Click here!
Access animal movement licenses from this page.

Declaration 1 to support general licence GL(BT)4(W) to move animals under the Bluetongue (No.2) (Wales) order 2007 - Click here!

DEFRA
13th February 2008

Declaration: Declaration of a Protection Zone and Surveillance Zone (.pdf 345 KB) - Click here!
Information bulletin: Extension of Bluetongue Restricted Zones - Click here!

DEFRA -
8th February 2008

Information bulletin: Extension of Bluetongue restricted zones - Click here!
Declaration: Declaration of a Protection Zone and Surveillance Zone (.pdf 374 KB) - Click here!
New license:
EXD459 - General license for movement of ruminant animals from a Bluetongue Protection Zone to a Bluetongue Surveillance Zone where the movement is direct to another Bluetongue Protection Zone - Click here!

DEFRA -
7th February 2007

New license:
EXD475 - General licence for the movement of ruminant animals: From a dedicated slaughter sale in a Protection Zone to slaughter in a Surveillance Zone or an area free from Bluetongue restrictions in England, or from a dedicated slaughter sale in a Surveillance Zone to slaughter in an area free from Bluetongue restrictions in England.- Click here!
Amended License: EXD474 - General licence for the movement of ruminant animals out of a Protection Zone or Surveillance Zone to a dedicated slaughter market in an area free from Bluetongue restrictions. - Click here!

DEFRA -
1st February 2008

Bluetongue - Declaration: Declaration of a Protection Zone and Surveillance Zone (.pdf 385 KB) - Click here!
Bluetongue: Designated Surveillance Zone Premises (at 31/01/08) - Click here!
Amended license: EXD474(BT) - Movement of ruminant animals out of a Protection Zone or Surveillance Zone to a dedicated slaughter market in an area free from Bluetongue restrictions - Click here!
Bird Flu - Information bulletin:
Avian influenza update: two further swans positive for H5N1 - Click here!

DEFRA
26th January 2008

Information bulletin: Avian influenza update: further swan positive for H5N1 - Click here!

DEFRA
25th January 2008

License: General licence for the movement of bird by products - Click here!
Revised License:
General licence for the movement of poultry to slaughter from a wild bird control area - Click here!

18th January 2008

Bluetongue Vaccination -
Information concerning the discussions and speeches at the EU's Bluetongue Conference in Brussels on 16th January 2008 can be found here - Click here!
DEFRA
Bird Flu - Licenses:
General license allowing movement to slaughter from the Control or Monitoring Area - Click here!
General license allowing limited shooting & trapping of wild birds in Control and Monitoring Area - Click here!

DEFRA
17th January 2008

Ministerial Statement:
Written Ministerial Statement by Hilary Benn on the Avian influenza case in Dorset - Click here!

DEFRA
16th January 2008

Information bulletin: Avian influenza update: further swan positive for H5N1 - Click here!
Summary of samples collected from Dorset since 12th January and test results where applicable - Click here!
Bluetongue
The EU Conference to decide the Bluetongue Vaccination Policy take place in Brussels today
For the Agenda - Click here!

Intervet
Bluetongue Vaccine - Click here!

DEFRA
15th January 2008

Ministerial Statement:
Written Ministerial Statement by Hilary Benn on the Avian influenza case in Dorset - Click here!
Licenses:
Movement licenses to move meat produced from birds in the Wild Bird Control Area out of the area - Click here!

DEFRA
14th January 2008

Amended license: EXD472(BT)
Movement of out of a Protection Zone or a Surveillance Zone during the vector-free period - Click here!

DEFRA
11th January 2008

The Bluetongue Stakeholder Meeting 18th December 2007 (.pdf 27 KB) - Click here!

DEFRA
10th January 2008

News release: Avian Influenza H5N1 confirmed in wild birds in Dorset - Click here!
Declaration of a Wild Bird Control Area and a Wild Bird Monitoring Area (.pdf 333 KB) - Click here!
Movement guidance - Click here!
Interactive map
Search by postcode to see if you are in the Wild Bird Control Area or Wild Bird Monitoring Area - Click here!
Map: Avian Influenza - Wild Bird Control Area and Wild Bird Monitoring Area (.pdf 1.1 MB) - Click here!
International Trade
Customer Information Note: Avian Influenza in wild birds: export trade - Click here!

DEFRA News -17th September 2008

DEFRA News -10th September 2008

News3rd September 2008

DEFRA1st September 2008

News29th August 2008

DEFRA29th August 2008

DEFRA27th August 2008

Bluetongue5th August 2008

DEFRA

Bluetongue4th August 2008

Bluetongue 1st August 2008

DEFRA28th July 2008

DEFRA25th July 2008Bluetongue: Latest situation

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DEFRA6th June 2008Bluetongue: Latest situation

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News -17th September 2008