Bluetongue: Temporary control zone advice for UK farmers

A single cow tested positive for bluetongue serotype 3 at a premises near Canterbury, Kent on 11th November. A 10km TCZ has been put in place surrounding the farm while the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) undertakes further investigations. For farm holdings within the TCZ, animal movements will not be licensed within or out of the zone, until Defra has a better assessment of the disease situation. However, specific licences can be applied for if movements deemed as urgent due to a genuine welfare need, this is defined as where animal welfare is, or is likely to be, significantly compromised. If farmers within the TCZ feel they are in this situation, they must apply to APHA for a specific licence to move animals to a holding within the TCZ. To apply, you must contact the APHA outbreak licencing team: outbreak.licensing@apha.gov.uk. Within the TCZ there is an abattoir. Currently, farmers outside the TCZ are permitted to apply of a licence to take animals to the abattoir within ...