Following the foot and mouth outbreaks in Surrey since 12 September, national movement restrictions have been imposed. For the latest update from Defra, see ww.defra.gov.uk/footandmouth/latest-situation/index.htm. The EU export ban has been reinstated. However movement restrictions have now been eased and movement to abbatoir, for welfare reasons, and in some cases between as well as within premises is permitted.  Restrictions and available licenses are now different in each country, so it is best to vist the relevant website (see below) and consult your local Animal Health office.  

It remains essential for animal keepers to practice the highest standards of biosecurity, remain vigilant for disease and report any suspicions immediately. Defra suggest cattle owners should examine their livestock twice a day.  However, the variously designated FMD zones are now being contracted.

Links

Scotland: www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Agriculture/animal-welfare/Diseases/SpecificDisease/FootAndMouthDisease/Licences

Wales: http://new.wales.gov.uk/topics/environmentcountryside/ahw/
disease_surveillance_control/foot_and_mouth_disease/?lang=en

England: www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/fmd/movements/index.htm
 

The first UK case of Bluetongue has been reported in Suffolk near Ipswich, and Defra has now declared an official outbreak of the disease.  The Bluetongue virus has killed 1.8 million animals since its arrival in Europe in 1998. Unlike Foot and Mouth disease, the Bluetongue virus spreads in small clusters via midge bites, and cannot be spread directly between animals. It affects all ruminants e.g. cattle, sheep, goats and camelids.

If you are not familiar with the symptoms, please check the Defra website (see below), as symptoms differ between livestock species. In particular, be alert to the disease if you are on the east coast of the UK.

The UK Bluetongue control strategy includes a 20 mile protection zone, optional surveillance zone, movements restrictions, and a communications programme. Slaughter of susceptible animal(s) infected with bluetongue might, in some circumstances, be considered as a control measure, for example, single infected imported animal where no further disease is detected (as a precautionary measure to try to stop disease establishing).

There is now a 150km Bluetongue control zone in place around the outbreak, and a larger protection zone covering southern and central England (exluding the south west) see www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/bluetongue/movements/index.htm

Links:
www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/bluetongue/index.htm

www.organicinform.org/newsitem.aspx?id=270

Soil association briefing paper