Clampdown on Bluetongue

New legislation now requires animals entering Scotland from a Restricted Zone under vaccination conditions to be accompanied by a veterinary certificate to prove that they have been vaccinated.

This applies to direct moves, and indirect moves via any surveillance zones or free areas.

The requirement to notify the Scottish Government about moves from a Restricted Zone into Scotland has also been extended to include indirect moves via areas free from bluetongue.

Commenting on the amendment to the Bluetongue Order Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Richard Lochhead said:

“It remains absolutely vital that we keep Scotland free of bluetongue and its associated restrictions for as long as possible.

“This new legislation is an important tool in helping to protect Scotland's livestock industry.

“However, care in the sourcing of livestock remains essential and producers should continue to avoid taking animals from high risk areas where ever possible.”

In addition to requiring veterinary certification of vaccinated animals entering Scotland the new legislation will also allow the compulsory vaccination campaign requested by the industry stakeholder group to be undertaken later in the year.

The Scottish Government is currently securing vaccine for Scottish industry and will shortly meet stakeholders to finalise the delivery arrangements.

NOTES TO NEWS EDITORS

Vaccinated animals leaving other Members States are required to be accompanied by veterinary certification to prove that they have been vaccinated. The new legislation brings the conditions for moves from elsewhere within the UK into line with this. The requirement for a veterinary certificate for animals moving to a bluetongue free area will also apply to Scottish animals when a vaccination campaign starts.

Knowledge of the number and location of vaccinated animals in Scotland will be important for surveillance purposes.

Notifications should be sent to the Scottish Government's Veterinary Division in Pentland House, Edinburgh by email at: [email protected] (or alternatively by fax to 0131 244 6475) within three working days of receipt of livestock.

Breaches of the Bluetongue Order can lead to penalties of up to £5,000 and/or six months in jail. As with any notifiable disease, if you suspect that livestock may be infected with bluetongue, you must contact your local animal health office immediately.

Summary of provisions

Vaccination:

o Makes provisions for the Declaration of a Vaccination Zone

o Enables us to require compulsory vaccination of sheep and cattle

o Enables us to ensure that no person may obtain vaccine unless authorised to do so.

o Enables us to ensure that apparently vaccinated animals entering areas of Scotland free from bluetongue are accompanied by a veterinary certificate confirming that the animals have been vaccinated.

The opportunity has also been taken to refine other provisions in the existing Order:

o The definition of animal has been expanded to include camelids as well as ruminants in light of veterinary advice.

o The requirement for keepers to notify Scottish Government within three days of receiving animals originating in a bluetongue restricted zone has been clarified as including indirect moves via free areas outside Scotland. An 'indirect move' is defined in the Order.

o The requirement for a licence has been introduced for the slaughter of animals from the Protection Zone at slaughterhouses in the Surveillance Zone.

o Consolidates and refines powers of inspectors presently set out in various provisions of the current Order