Bluetongue: Guidance to abbatoirs and markets on the arrangements to designate premises/land as part of the Bluetongue Surveillance Zone
Markets
Markets that are within 8km of the Surveillance Zone boundary may apply to be designated as part of the Bluetongue Surveillance Zone provided they meet certain conditions:
- The premises/land occupied outside the current SZ boundary is within (or part of it must be within) 8km of the current SZ boundary.
- The land to be designated outside the current SZ boundary is in England (this procedure does not apply to land in Wales).
- The premises operator must:
(i) inform the DVM and the local authority that he intents to hold a gathering of animals licensed under the Animal Gatherings (England) Order 2006 at least 3 days before the first animal enters the premises for the gathering,
(ii) publicise all such gatherings so that those attending are aware that any ruminant animal brought to the gathering can only be moved from there to premises in the surveillance zone (or protection zone), such publicity to include signage on the premises during the period of the gathering,
(iii) maintain records of the premises of destination of all ruminant animals leaving the gathering, and
(iv) inform the DVM and the local authority of any ruminant animal which is to be moved from there to premises in the area free from bluetongue restrictions in contravention of the movement rules.
Abattoirs
Abattoirs that are within 8km of the Surveillance Zone boundary may apply to be designated as part of the Bluetongue Surveillance Zone provided they meet certain conditions:
- The premises/land occupied outside the current SZ boundary is within (or part of it must be within) 8km of the current SZ boundary.
- The land to be designated outside the current SZ boundary is in England (this procedure does not apply to land in Wales).
Any market operator or abattoir wishing to have premises/land designated must apply to the local Animal Health Divisional Office (AHDO).
Accurate reference to all associated premises/land to be designated is required. Advice on obtaining an accurate reference for the premises/land outside the SZ can be obtained using the MAGIC system.
- Finding Grid Coordinates Using MAGIC (PDF) (770 KB)
However alternative descriptions/map references are acceptable provided the AHDO can accurately determine the location of the premises/land parcel. If more than one discrete parcel of land or premises is to be designated, grid references to all the parcels and premises involved must be provided.
If the application is approved, the AHDO will notify the market operator or abattoir when the Defra website has been amended to include reference to the premises/land that has been designated.
Page last modified: 16 April, 2008