Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help tackle cases of bluetongue virus in farm animals.

Defra acted quickly to contain bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) when the first case this season was detected on 26 August, implementing zones with movement controls on susceptible livestock to prevent spread. These disease control restrictions have been adapted in response to new findings and there is now a single restricted zone (RZ) covering the east coast and some inland areas in England. Movement restrictions are in place to prevent the movement of potentially infected susceptible animals (ruminants and camelids) and germinal products transporting disease to new locations outside the zone (premises that have confirmed positive cases or are suspected to have BTV-3 are restricted from moving their animals freely at this time). Some animals were humanely culled to prevent establishment at the outset and infected animals in cases found in free areas outside the restricted zone have also been humanely culled.

Defra has also permitted the use of vaccines for BTV-3 in England. The vaccines are now in the country and available for vets to prescribe.

Defra and APHA continue surveillance of susceptible animals and epidemiological assessments, remaining vigilant for any changes, and will continue to work closely with key industry stakeholders to respond to developments and ensure keepers have the information they need.