NEWS RELEASE
Date: 25 September 2007
Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London SW1P 3JR
Out of hours telephone 020 7270 8960
FMD and Bluetongue: update to integrated strategy
Defra has confirmed that a third animal has tested positive for Bluetongue. This is on a premises near Lowestoft.
At this stage, there is not sufficient evidence to confirm an active outbreak of Bluetongue by the internationally-recognised definition. It cannot yet be demonstrated that the disease is circulating or alternatively is the result of a single incursion of infected midges from abroad.
Epidemiological investigations are underway to establish whether bluetongue disease is circulating in the UK.
Active discussions with key stakeholders are continuing to determine what the appropriate measures would be, should an outbreak of Bluetongue be confirmed. Any action will be in line with the UK Bluetongue Control Strategy, published in August, but will also take account of the current FMD restrictions.
Meanwhile the risk-based contingency plans for FMD and Bluetongue are being followed in an integrated way. In the light of the third infected animal being found it has been agreed that it would not be appropriate to allow farm to farm movements in the area surrounding the premises from 3.30pm today. This area is Norfolk and Suffolk.
Essex is also considered to be at risk of Bluetongue, but as it is also in the FMD Risk Area, farm-to-farm movements would not be permitted in any case.
Chief Veterinary Officer, Debby Reynolds, said:
“Whilst Foot and Mouth Disease and Bluetongue are present in the country, all animal keepers should proceed with caution.
“To provide clarity on movement restrictions, farming leaders, the veterinary profession, Defra and all of those concerned will continue to provide a constant flow of information as this is a dynamic situation.
”If in doubt, people can consult a wide range of sources of information.”
Notes to editors
FMD Protection Zone
- No movements of live animals
FMD Surveillance Zone
- No movements of live animals
FMD Risk Area
- The following livestock movements out of this area will be permitted:
- Direct moves to slaughter (both within and outside the risk area);
- Direct moves to slaughter via collection centres and dedicated slaughter sales (both within and outside the risk area);
- The following moves will be permitted within this area only, but no FMD susceptible livestock may be moved out of this area into the low risk area (except for slaughter as above):
- Calving cows (up to 50Km with a 20 day standstill);
- Pigs moving within established “pyramids” between specific units (up to 50km or 100km);
- Welfare moves of up to 3km within the same premises may take place within this county;
FMD Low Risk Area
- Direct moves to slaughter (both within and outside the risk area);
- Direct moves to slaughter via collection centres and dedicated slaughter sales (both within and outside the risk area);
- Farm to farm movements of FMD susceptible species will be permitted under strict conditions and subject to high levels of biosecurity.
- Pigs moving within established “pyramids” between specific units (unlimited distances) to all other areas in GB;
- No pigs may move outside established pyramid structures.
Bluetongue Temporary Control Area
- The following ruminant movements out of this area (except Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex) will be permitted:
- Direct moves to slaughter (both within and outside the risk area);
- Direct moves to slaughter via collection centres and dedicated slaughter sales (both within and outside the risk area);
- Ruminants will not be permitted to move out of the Bluetongue Temporary Control Area for purposes other than slaughter;
- Farm to farm movements of ruminants will be permitted under strict conditions and subject to high levels of biosecurity within the area only.
- Pig movements (within established pyramids only) will be permitted to move within and out of the area to other areas, subject to licence conditions.
Norfolk / Suffolk Bluetongue Area
- Pig movements (within established pyramids only) will be permitted to move within out of this areas to any area, subject to licence conditions.
- Farm to Farm ruminant movements are prohibited.
- Ruminants may not be moved out of this area into any other area, for any purpose. other than for direct movements to slaughter in Essex.
- Calving cows and other welfare moves may take place up to 3km within the same premises.
- Direct moves to slaughter may only take place in Norfolk and Suffolk and Essex. Moves must not place after one hour before sunset.
- Collection centres and dedicated slaughter sales may not take place in Norfolk and Suffolk.
Essex:
Essex is now subject to two levels of controls: FMD Risk and requirements for Norfolk and Suffolk:
- Ruminants may not be moved out of Essex into any other area for any purpose, except for direct moves to slaughter in Norfolk and Suffolk (where moves must not place after one hour before sunset).
- Farm to Farm movements are prohibited.
- Calving cows and other welfare moves may take place up to 3km within the same premises.
- Collection centres and dedicated slaughter sales may not take place in Essex.
- Pigs may only move within established “pyramids” between specific units (up to 50km or 100km) within the FMD risk area only.
Further information
Further details on movement licences will be available shortly on the Defra website at: www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/fmd/movements/index.htm.
End
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Page published: 25 September 2007 16:30