INFORMATION BULLETIN
Date: 1 February 2008
Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London SW1P 3JR
Out of hours telephone 020 7270 8960
Extension of Bluetongue Restriction Zones
Defra today confirmed the extension of the Bluetongue Protection and Surveillance Zones, following confirmation of disease on four premises within the current Protection Zone.
The zones have been extended further into Sussex and Dorset, in accordance with the UK Bluetongue Control Strategy and EU legislation.
The infected animals were found as a result of pre-movement testing currently required in the vector-free period.
All evidence suggests that these animals were infected before the vector-free period commenced.
Further similar cases may be expected in the coming weeks.
Further information
Further information is available to farmers via the Defra helpline (0845 9 335577) and website www.defra.gov.uk/bluetongue.
Farmers without access to the internet can also call the Animal Health 24 hour recorded information line (0844 884 4600) for up-to-date news on the latest developments.
The latest figures on the number of Bluetongue cases will be updated on a daily basis (Monday to Friday) on the ‘latest situation’ page of the Defra website: www.defra.gov.uk/bluetongue
End
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Page published: 1 February 2008 17:30