Extension of bluetongue protection zones

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) today confirmed changes to the Bluetongue Protection Zone, following confirmation of disease on premises within the current zone.

In accordance with the UK Bluetongue Control Strategy and EU legislation, one case in Surrey requires the Protection Zone to be extended into Rushmoor District.

The infected animals were found as a result of pre-movement testing required to move animals out of zones in the vector-free period, which ended on 15 March.

All evidence suggests that these animals were infected last year.