Movement of livestock from England into Wales is still restricted without a negative test
Bluetongue virus restrictions in Wales are set to be relaxed permitting vaccinated livestock to cross the border for sale at English markets.
From Monday livestock that have completed their bluetongue vaccination course (BTV-3) will be allowed to travel to markets within 12 miles (20km) of the Welsh border. Wales’ chief veterinary officer Richard Irvine described bluetongue, a virus spread through midge bites that affects cattle, sheep, and goats, as “a potentially devastating disease”.
Bluetongue is a viral disease that causes ulcers around the animal’s mouth and face.
Mr Irvine continued: “As part of keeping our commitment to review of our bluetongue policy we have held regular stakeholder discussions.
“From these a phased approach to facilitate autumn sales has been agreed that balances industry needs against the risk of disease incursion.
“It is important that we all recognise the implicit and cumulative risk in progressively removing livestock restrictions and the balance that must be struck between the ability to trade and the increased risk of disease incursion.
“Through discussions the industry also fully recognises their responsibilities, including the need to ensure compliance with the requirements to attend sales and markets, the fundamental role of bluetongue vaccination – and the shared risk and consequences should bluetongue enter Wales.
“With the autumn sales approaching we are considering further adjustments to our policy including facilitating breeding sales at bluetongue-approved green markets located in Wales for the sale of BTV-3 vaccinated livestock from England and Wales.
“These sales will be able to apply to become bluetongue-approved green markets from mid-September.”
The movement of livestock from England into Wales remains restricted without a negative test as does transporting unvaccinated animals across the border.
English markets would need to organise separate sales exclusively for vaccinated Welsh livestock and comply with stringent conditions.
The Welsh Government stated the objective was to halt the virus’ spread but those within the farming sector cautioned it could prove “catastrophic” for cross-border commerce.
Markets eligible to hold dedicated sales of vaccinated Welsh-only livestock include Bishops Castle, Hereford, Kington, Ludlow, Market Drayton, Oswestry, Ross-on-Wye, and Shrewsbury and they must adhere to specific conditions.
Animals attending these markets and returning to Wales must also complete the movement within the same day and are subject to the conditions of a general licence.
Animals cannot remain at the market overnight and these animals will not be subject to any pre- or post-movement testing requirements where all conditions have been met.
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