Changes

There is no efficient treatment for bluetongue, and so the emphasis is on prophylaxis and control.

There is no efficient treatment for bluetongue, and so the emphasis is on prophylaxis and control.

===Preventing Introduction of Bluetongue===

===Controlling Spread of Bluetongue in Europe===

Although some factors influencing the introduction of bluetongue to an area are outwith human control, such as transportation of ''Culicoides'' on the wind, certain measures can be taken to help avoid BTV becoming established in an area.

Although some factors influencing the introduction of bluetongue to an area are outwith human control, such as transportation of ''Culicoides'' on the wind, certain measures can be taken to help avoid BTV becoming established in an area. This involves designation of areas where bluetongue is circulating as "Restricted Zones" for the specific serotype, and imposing movement limitations within and between these areas. Animals in Restricted Zones (RZs) may be moved within in the zone, and animals from "free zones" (BTV-free areas) may be moved without restrictions, including into RZs. However, animals from Restricted Zones may not be moved out of these areas unless they are moving to a confluent Restricted Zone for the same serotype. A map of the current RZs is available from the [http://ec.europa.eu/food/animal/diseases/controlmeasures/bt_restrictedzones-map.jpg European Commission Website].

•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.