Changes

When bluetongue is present in the UK, there are several broad principles to disease control. Firstly, premises suspected of having the disease are inspected by a veterinary surgeon, and a ban is placed on moving animals on and off the site. Once it has been confirmed that bluetongue is circulating (i.e. there is not a single, isolated case of disease, for example due to importation), a Restricted Zone is imposed around the infected premises. A Restricted Zone is the overall area where restrictions apply and is composed of a Protection Zone (100km radius) surrounded by a Surveillance Zone (50km radius). The sizes of these zones are dictated by EU legislation for bluetongue control. The Restricted Zone may also contain areas of tighter restrictions in the immediate vicinity of infected premises. Movements are permitted within zones, and from the Surveillance Zone to the Protected Zone. Animals from neighbouring BTV-free areas may move into either the Surveillance or Protected Zones. However, the converse of any of these movements is not permitted.  

When bluetongue is present in the UK, there are several broad principles to disease control. Firstly, premises suspected of having the disease are inspected by a veterinary surgeon, and a ban is placed on moving animals on and off the site. Once it has been confirmed that bluetongue is circulating (i.e. there is not a single, isolated case of disease, for example due to importation), a Restricted Zone is imposed around the infected premises. A Restricted Zone is the overall area where restrictions apply and is composed of a Protection Zone (100km radius) surrounded by a Surveillance Zone (50km radius). The sizes of these zones are dictated by EU legislation for bluetongue control. The Restricted Zone may also contain areas of tighter restrictions in the immediate vicinity of infected premises. Movements are permitted within zones, and from the Surveillance Zone to the Protected Zone. Animals from neighbouring BTV-free areas may move into either the Surveillance or Protected Zones. However, the converse of any of these movements is not permitted.  

•Member states may demarcate part of a Protection Zone as a Lower Risk Zone. This allows livestock holders to continue vaccinating against bluetongue in an area without bluetongue virus circulation.

•Member states may demarcate part of a Protection Zone as a Lower Risk Zone. This allows livestock holders to continue vaccinating against bluetongue in an area without bluetongue virus circulation.