Great Britain regains bluetongue free status

Restrictions regarding bluetongue will be lifted for livestock exporters from July 5, 2011.

Welcoming the news, Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead, said:

"This is good news for our livestock industry. It is also a great testament to the efforts of Scottish farmers, working together with Government, to help keep our livestock free from bluetongue and taking responsibility to keep this disease out of Scotland throughout this period."

Scotland’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Simon Hall, endorsed the Cabinet Secretary’s comments. He added:

"While we have been successful in battling this potentially devastating disease, we must remain vigilant against the signs of bluetongue. I would urge all livestock keepers to continue to source livestock responsibly and to notify their local Divisional Veterinary Manager of any disease suspicions."

Bluetongue free status will take effect from July 5, 2011 and means animals being exported from Great Britain to other EU Bluetongue Free Countries will no longer require vaccination.

Background

Following the bluetongue outbreak in South-East England in 2007, Scotland has remained free of the bluetongue virus. However the bluetongue virus is still circulating in continental Europe, and it is crucial that livestock keepers remain vigilant against signs of the disease.

By declaring freedom, livestock keepers are unable to vaccinate from July 5, 2011.

Imports to Great Britain (GB) from other bluetongue zones will need to meet strict import requirements. There are other Northern EU countries that have already declared freedom or will do shortly following successful eradication campaigns, and this will result in unrestricted EU trade in terms of bluetongue restrictions. Post import testing of animals from high risk countries will continue, as well as monitoring the threat of a bluetongue incursion to GB.

If bluetongue started to spread in continental Europe, a Lower Risk Zone may be declared again, allowing livestock holders to vaccinate and protect livestock from the risk of infection being blown across the Channel or imported through an infected animal.

GB is continuing to press for the legislative change to the European Bluetongue Directive that will allow vaccination in a free area, currently being delayed due to the co-decision process.