As of July 1, the entire British territory has been designated as a Blue Tong Virus (BTV-3) “Restriction Zone” for movements affecting the movement of sheep and cattle across the border between Wales and Scotland.
DEFRA has announced an expansion of its restriction zone in response to the increased risk of blue tongs as summer temperatures rise.
Binding viruses pose no risk to public health or food safety, but can cause severe disease and loss of production in anti-min animals, including sheep and cows.
National designation means livestock can move freely within England regardless of previous local restrictions.
However, the move from England to Wales and Scotland is currently subject to more stringent control, with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) requiring exercise licences for all susceptible animals.
In the case of cattle, travel to Scotland is only permitted if the animal is fully vaccinated with the Bohringer “Brutabo-3” vaccine and does not show clinical signs of the disease.
The situation in sheep is more complicated as there is no currently approved vaccine, preventing this type of BTV-3 infection cannot be guaranteed.
As a result, regardless of vaccination status, all unvaccinated animals, and all sheep, must undergo pre-movement testing within 7 days of their trip before entering Scotland.
Penny Middleton, Animal Health and Welfare Policy Manager for NFU Scotland, said vaccinations are an important tool in protecting animal health.
She said: “Although all available vaccines provide effective protection against BTV-3 symptoms, manufacturers are currently unable to demonstrate that the vaccine prevents BTV-3 transmission in sheep.
“As a result, the Scottish Government will continue to request a prerequisite test for all sheep moving to Scotland, regardless of vaccination circumstances.”
The new restrictions could cause cross-border trade disruptions, especially for Scottish livestock producers who frequently sell animals in English markets and may face complex and expensive procedures to reimport the stocks that are now deployed.
NFU Scotland opposes the inclusion of Scotland within the BTV-3 restriction zone, citing the importance of maintaining a robust disease prevention buffer.
However, the union has shown that it will continue to consult with farmers members and closely monitor the situation.
