6 May 2008
Dear Colleague
LIVESTOCK SHOWS AND BLUETONGUE RESTRICTIONS
The 2008 livestock show season will be starting soon, and those making preparations and dealing with show entrants may find the enclosed information on the conditions attached to the movement of bluetongue-susceptible (ruminant) animals useful. Please bear in mind that this information is correct at the moment, but is subject to change as EU Regulations are amended from time to time. Please refer to the Scottish Government website for up-to-date information ( www.scotland.gov.uk/bluetongue).
While there are a variety of conditions that may in theory be fulfilled to allow the movement of animals from a bluetongue Restricted Zone to Scotland, in practice, whilst Scotland remains free of this disease, the choices are limited. The vector free period ended on the 15th March in the UK and it is highly unlikely that show participants will want to go to the considerable effort and expense of providing vector-proof accommodation for a temporary re-location of their animals. In addition, while vaccination is likely to start in England in May, sheep will not become immune for 21 days, and cattle will not become immune for two months after vaccine has been administered. For shows taking place early in the season, this essentially leaves only the possibility of moving animals that have recovered from infection and are now immune, of which there are likely to be few within the UK.
I would therefore urge you to encourage potential participants with animals within a Restricted Zone, whether in England and Wales or on the continent, to think about the requirements for moving their animals before making any commitments or travel arrangements.
There is nothing to stop animals coming to Scotland from areas free of bluetongue restrictions, though if those animals pass through a bluetongue restricted zone on the way they will require a licence from the the authorities responsible for the zone and will need to fulfil some relatively simple condtions.
I hope that this information is of use to you.
Yours sincerely,
PROFESOR MILNE
Chief Veterinary Officer (Scotland)