Bluetongue Clampdown in Scotland

SCOTLAND, UK - Controls over the movement of animals from a Bluetongue Restricted Zone into Scotland will be further tightened it was announced earlier this week.
calendar icon 6 June 2008
clock icon 2 minute read

New legislation now requires animals entering Scotland from a Restricted Zone under vaccination conditions to be accompanied by a veterinary certificate to prove that they have been vaccinated.

This applies to direct moves and indirect moves via any surveillance zones or free areas.

The requirement to notify the Scottish Government about moves from a Restricted Zone into Scotland has also been extended to include indirect moves via areas free from bluetongue.


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"It remains absolutely vital that we keep Scotland free of bluetongue and its associated restrictions for as long as possible."
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Richard Lochhead

Commenting on the amendment to the Bluetongue Order Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Richard Lochhead said:

"It remains absolutely vital that we keep Scotland free of bluetongue and its associated restrictions for as long as possible.

"This new legislation is an important tool in helping to protect Scotland's livestock industry.

"However, care in the sourcing of livestock remains essential and producers should continue to avoid taking animals from high risk areas where ever possible."

In addition to requiring veterinary certification of vaccinated animals entering Scotland the new legislation will also allow the compulsory vaccination campaign requested by the industry stakeholder group to be undertaken later in the year.

The Scottish Government is currently securing vaccine for Scottish industry and will shortly meet stakeholders to finalise the delivery arrangements.

Vaccinated animals leaving other Members States are required to be accompanied by veterinary certification to prove that they have been vaccinated. The new legislation brings the conditions for moves from elsewhere within the UK into line with this. The requirement for a veterinary certificate for animals moving to a bluetongue free area will also apply to Scottish animals when a vaccination campaign starts.

Knowledge of the number and location of vaccinated animals in Scotland will be important for surveillance purposes.

Notifications should be sent to the Scottish Government's Veterinary Division in Pentland House, Edinburgh by email at: [email protected] (or alternatively by fax to 0131 244 6475) within three working days of receipt of livestock.

Breaches of the Bluetongue Order can lead to penalties of up to #5,000 and/or six months in jail. As with any notifiable disease, if you suspect that livestock may be infected with bluetongue, you must contact your local animal health office immediately.

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