Due to the drop in temperature and reduced midge activity, the UK's Chief Veterinary Officer has confirmed the UK is in the seasonally vector low period for bluetongue virus. This came into effect from 12 noon on 21 January.
Defra has confirmed that the Restricted Zone (RZ) currently in place across affected regions along the east and south coast of England will remain in place. All animals moving out of the RZ will still require a pre-movement test unless going direct to slaughter or to a dedicated slaughter market.
What does this mean for Wales?
NFU Cymru has been in touch with Welsh Government to confirm what this means for Wales:
- The requirement for a slaughterhouse to be designated to receive animals from the RZ is removed,
- Subject to a negative pre-movement test, animals can move from the RZ to Scotland and Wales to live, positive animals cannot move to Wales and Scotland,
- Post-movement testing of animals moved out of the RZ to live is no longer required GB wide,
- Use of insecticides in transport, at approved markets or designated abattoirs is not required
This means that stock from Welsh farms currently located within the RZ in England, such as sheep away on tack, may now move home to Wales subject to a clear pre-movement test.
There is free pre-movement testing currently available to move animals from England and more information about how to apply can be found on the Government website.
You should register using the CPH of the holding the animals are on tack at in England.
Timing is critical and the guidance states that farmers should apply for pre-movement tests at least 10 working days before the planned move date. The vet should sample your animals no more than 7 days before the move – this allows time to get your results. APHA estimate it should take 3 working days after they receive your samples for you to get the results, but you should allow up to 5 working days.
If an animal tests positive at the pre-movement test, its movement will be restricted. If an animal tests positive then it is only the positive animal that is restricted, not the whole bunch.
Welsh Government is in the process of confirming if these moves will take place under general or specific movement license.
‘Window of opportunity but vigilance is key’
NFU Cymru Deputy President Abi Reader said: “Confirmation that we are now in the seasonally vector low period for bluetongue virus (BTV) is to be welcomed.
“For Welsh farmers wanting to move stock from within the RZ in England into Wales, especially those with sheep away on tack, there is a window of opportunity for this now to happen, subject to pre-movement testing.
“While we are in the low vector period, vigilance and good biosecurity remain key. If you suspect a case of Bluetongue, you must report it immediately to APHA.”
Read the full update at: GOV.UK | Seasonally vector low period for bluetongue begins.
Ongoing policy work
NFU Cymru is working with Welsh Government on its control strategy for BTV. It is highly likely that we will see overwintering and there may be a resurgence of the virus in the UK this spring as the temperatures rise again. This means we must be prepared as, although there is modelling taking place, we cannot be exactly sure where or when the virus will resurface. The CVO for Wales recently spoke at NFU Cymru Council and members of Council had the opportunity to question him about the approach Welsh Government may take towards BTV-3 in 2025.
There are three vaccines approved for emergency use in the UK by the Defra Secretary of State, none of them are currently licensed for use in Wales.