Changes to Bluetongue controls are welcomed

CHANGES to control measures to counter the spread of Bluetongue disease have bene broadly welcomed.

- WITH ANDREW FORGRAVE

Signs of Bluetongue in cattle

The Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, has announced an all-Wales Restricted Zone (RZ) for Bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) from Monday.

‘The Welsh Government says its Bluetongue control policy, supported by regular evidence-based updates, has delayed Bluetongue incursion from the all-England Restricted Zone until the time of year when the impact and spread of the disease is limited.

It has also provided farmers with essential time to vaccinate their livestock and prepare for the emergence of the disease in Wales.

Animal keepers continue to be encouraged to speak to their vets about BTV-3 vaccination - to protect livestock and livelihoods.

To date, eleven cases of BTV-3 have been confirmed in Wales, four in Powys and seven in the Temporary Control Zone located in Monmouthshire. It is likely the number of Bluetongue cases will increase as our surveillance continues.

‘The restricted zone relates to BTV-3 only. Controls may need to be introduced for positive cases of new Bluetongue serotypes, should these emerge in the future.

The Deputy First Minister, said: “The success of our policy to date is attributable to the hard work of delivery partners including the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and ‘The Pirbright Institute, as well as the cooperation and goodwill of the livestock sector.