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 (or Protection) Zones for the specific serotype, and imposing movement limitations within and between these areas. Animals in Protection Zones may be moved within in the zone, and to confluent protection Zones for the same serotype. However, they may not be moved to Free Zones (BTV-free areas), although animals from Free Zones may be moved without restriction. A map of the current Restriction/Protection Zones in Europe is available from the [http://ec.europa.eu/food/animal/diseases/controlmeasures/bt_restrictedzones-map.jpg European Commission Website]. | 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 (or Protection) Zones for the specific serotype, and imposing movement limitations within and between these areas. Animals in Protection Zones may be moved within in the zone, and to confluent protection Zones for the same serotype. However, they may not be moved to Free Zones (BTV-free areas), although animals from Free Zones may be moved without restriction. A map of the current Restriction/Protection Zones in Europe is available from the [http://ec.europa.eu/food/animal/diseases/controlmeasures/bt_restrictedzones-map.jpg European Commission Website]. |