NEWS RELEASE
Date: 8 May 2008
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Bluetongue update: extension of protection zone to allow further vaccination; epidemiology report published
Defra has today announced that the Bluetongue Protection Zones will be extended and merged on Monday 12 May, following the delivery of additional doses of Bluetongue vaccine.
Vaccination is only permitted within the Protection Zone therefore in accordance with the Bluetongue vaccination plan, the Protection Zones will be merged by extending the zones into all of Hampshire and West Sussex. The Protection Zone will also be extended into all of Lincolnshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire. The Surveillance Zone is unaffected.
A further 1 million doses of vaccine, available in 50 dose bottles, are available for use in the Protection Zone today. Livestock keepers in the areas coming into the Protection Zone on Monday will be able to obtain vaccine from that date. They are encouraged to order vaccine so that they can protect their livestock at the earliest opportunity.
Those keepers coming into the new Protection Zone will be subject to the same restrictions as those in the existing Protection Zone. Animals can only be moved out of the Protection Zone if they are vaccinated, naturally immune or for slaughter, subject to meeting certain conditions. Please refer to the Defra website for further guidance.
Defra has also today published an epidemiology report on the distribution of Bluetongue infection in Great Britain, based on surveillance work up to 15 March.
The evidence considered in the report suggests that Bluetongue has not spread beyond the current Protection Zone boundaries. This supports our vaccination strategy which has been devised to tackle the most at-risk areas first, gradually expanding the Protection Zone westward as more vaccine becomes available.
Notes to editors
1. Further information, including maps of the Bluetongue Zones and guidance on movement restrictions, can be found at: www.defra.gov.uk/bluetongue
2. The epidemiological report is also published in full at: www.defra.gov.uk/bluetongue
3. As at 12.00 on 30 April 2008 there were 127 confirmed premises affected by Bluetongue.
4. Further information is available to farmers via the Defra helpline (0845 9 335577) and website: www.defra.gov.uk
5. 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.
End
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Page published: 8 May 2008