Bluetongue Disease
Animal Movement guidance applicable ONLY to Warwickshire Farmers
The whole of Warwickshire is now in a Bluetongue Protection Zone.
The Bluetongue Surveillance and Protection Zones and rules for movement between zones are changing as the situation dictates, therefore please check the Defra website for the latest information.
If you need clarification please contact Warwickshire Trading Standards Service:
Keepers can contact Warwickshire Trading Standards by email, fax, or telephone:
Tel: 01926 736470 or 736471 0r 7364 75 (Office hours)
Fax: 01926 736473
Email: tslicensing@warwickshire.gov.uk
There are no restrictions on the movement of pigs as they are not susceptible to Bluetongue.
Movements out of the Protection Zone
Movement are allowed out of the zone but are subject to strict licence conditions. Information on the movements allowed and conditions of movement can be found on the Defra website.
Livestock Markets
Warwickshire markets are permitted to operate, provided the susceptible animals stay within the Bluetongue Protection Zone after sale, unless they are going to slaughter at approved slaughterhouses or can comply with licence conditions for movement to live.
Warwickshire Trading Standards Officers are continuing to assist Warwickshire farmers by advising what movements can be made depending on where they are wanting to move livestock from and to. Animal Health Officers are in attendance at markets ensuring rules are adhered to.
Full List of Licences & Conditions
The full licence conditions for animal movements can be found on the Defra website
Further Information for Livestock Keepers
Animal Health, an executive agency of the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), has launched a recorded information line for the farming community to use in disease outbreaks. The information line allows farmers, livestock keepers, vets and other stakeholders to stay up-to-date with important news and information, initially about Foot and Mouth Disease and Bluetongue, from the end of a phone.
This new communication channel allows those without regular access to the internet to listen to the latest news by simply dialling 0844 884 4600 instead. The information line will be updated regularly. Calling in costs 5p a minute (4.2p plus VAT). The Information line does not replace any functions of the Defra helpline (08459 335577) which is open from 8am-8pm Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm Sat-Sun for calls relating to Foot and Mouth Disease and bluetongue.
Livestock keepers must be vigilant for signs of disease, no matter where in the country they are.
Any signs of disease must be reported to the local Defra Animal Health Office without any delay.
Livestock Keepers have a vital frontline role in detecting disease and in helping control and eradicate it. Everybody must take full responsibility for ensuring stringent bio-security and compliance with movement restrictions.
If certain types of movements are still not allowed, it is because they may still pose a risk. Please continue to observe these movement restrictions. Do not take chances.
Do not place the wider farming industry at risk - we all have a common interest in getting farming back to business as usual as soon as possible.
Ask others to observe bio-security and follow the rules. Minimise the number of visitors on your farm and ensure they clean and disinfect on and off your premises. Protect your livestock and your business.
If you are in any doubt, ask your Warwickshire Trading Standards, Defra Animal Health, NFU or the Defra Helpline for advice.