Defra has issued an update for livestock farmers on the spread of bluetongue and the support available through the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway.
Bluetongue is a notifiable viral disease affecting sheep, cattle, deer, goats and camelids. It is mainly spread by midges, and recent hot weather has created favourable conditions for the virus to spread more quickly. Cases are increasing across Great Britain, with the disease currently most prevalent in the South West, West Midlands, North West of England and parts of Wales.
All of England is currently within a bluetongue Restricted Zone. Animals can continue to move within England without a specific bluetongue licence or pre-movement testing, provided they are not showing clinical signs of the disease. Separate restricted zones are also in place in Wales and southwest Scotland.