Changes

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].

Since animals may be moved freely between protection zones for the same serotype, a protection zone which does not currently have circulating BTV is as risk of becoming re-infected.  This fact has lead to the designation of lower risk zones. Vaccination is only normally permitted within protection zones, but livestock holders in lower risk zones are able to vaccinate their animals. There are also more stringent regulations on bringing in animals from confluent protection zones. Therefore, the risk of re-introducing bluetongue is reduced and the area can move towards BTV freedom more confidently. A further advantage of lower risk zones is the ability to export livestock to other BTV areas with fewer limitations.

Since animals may be moved freely between protection zones for the same serotype, a protection zone which does not currently have circulating BTV is as risk of becoming re-infected.  This fact has lead to the designation of lower risk zones. Vaccination is only normally permitted within protection zones, but livestock holders in lower risk zones are able to vaccinate their animals. There are also more stringent regulations on bringing in animals from confluent protection zones. Therefore, the risk of re-introducing bluetongue is reduced and the area can move towards BTV freedom more confidently. A further advantage of lower risk zones is the ability to export livestock to Free zoones or areas with other BTV serotypes with fewer limitations.

===Vaccination===

===Vaccination===