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.

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 Protection 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. In addition to movement resrtictions, surveillance for disease and vectors are implemented as necessary in an outbreak, and relevant communications are made to owners and veterinary surgeons to advise of the measures in place. The aim at all times is to tightly control disease, with an aim to eradication, and vaccination will normally play a large part in this. A test and slaugher policy is not used, because BTV is not transmitted directly between susceptible animals.

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 Control Zones of tighter restrictions in the immediate vicinity (20km) of infected premises. Movements are permitted within zones, and from the Surveillance Zone to the Protection 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. In addition to movement resrtictions, surveillance for disease and vectors are implemented as necessary in an outbreak, and relevant communications are made to owners and veterinary surgeons to advise of the measures in place. The aim at all times is to tightly control disease, with an aim to eradication, and vaccination will normally play a large part in this. A test and slaugher policy is not used, because BTV is not transmitted directly between susceptible animals.

•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.