Bluetongue
On Friday 8 February 2008 the Secretary of State declared two protection zones and a surveillance zone for Bluetongue. The whole of the Bracknell Forest area falls within a declared protection zone.
What is Bluetongue?
Bluetongue is a disease of animals affecting all ruminants, including sheep, cattle, deer, goats and camelids (camels, llamas, alpacas, guanaco and vicuña).
It does not affect dogs, horses or pigs. Bluetongue does not affect humans. There is no risk to human health.
Although sheep are most severely affected, cattle are the main reservoir of the virus. It is characterised by changes to the linings of the mouth and nose and the coronary band of the foot. The disease is caused by a virus spread by certain types of biting midges.
Advice to the Public
Bluetongue does not affect dogs or horses. There are no restrictions on dog walking or horse riding. There are no closures of footpaths.
Advice to Farmers
What movements can take place
- There are no restrictions on the movement of pigs or horses as they are not susceptible to Bluetongue
- You can move ruminants including sheep, cattle, deer, goats and camelids (camels, llamas, alpacas, guanaco and vicuña) anywhere within the Bluetongue Protection Zone (PZ)
- You can move ruminants into the Bluetongue Surveillance Zone (SZ) for slaughter
- You can move ruminants to specifically licenced abattoirs outside the SZ.
- You can move ruminants into the Bluetongue PZ from the SZ, however you must then comply with the rules within the Protection Zone
What movements can’t take place
- You cannot move ruminants out of the Bluetongue Protection Zone unless to slaughter as outlined above
There is a requirement for Bluetongue movement licences. Before moving animals, you must ensure you can comply fully with all the licence conditions for Bluetongue. If in doubt, contact your local Animal Health Office or the Trading Standards team in your local authority
You can use DEFRA's interactive map to find out whether you are in a protection or surveillance zone.
Farmers are asked to remain vigilant for Bluetongue. They should inspect their stock, particularly focusing on the mucous linings (lining of the mouth and nose) and the coronary band (where the hoof stops and the skin starts). If you suspect one of your animals has Bluetongue, it is vital to report it as early as possible. Telephone your nearest Animal Health Office immediately or call the Defra helpline on: 08459 33 55 77 between 9am - 5pm, 5 days a week.
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