Welsh livestock that have been vaccinated against Bluetongue will be able to attend English markets within 20 miles of the Welsh border from 18th August.
The Welsh Government has announced that Bluetongue restrictions currently in place in Wales will change as of Monday, 18th August to facilitate autumn sales of livestock.
In a statement, it stated that as of that date, Welsh livestock that have completed a course of a Bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) vaccination will be able to attend dedicated sales of vaccinated Welsh livestock at markets within 20 miles of the Welsh border, including Bishops Castle, Hereford, Ludlow, Market Drayton, Oswestry, Ross-on-Wye and Shrewsbury. The animals attending the markets must adhere to specific conditions and must complete the movement within the same day.
“A phased approach to facilitate Autumn sales has been agreed that balances industry needs against the risk of disease incursion.”
Richard Irvine, chief veterinary officer for Wales
Chief veterinary officer for Wales Richard Irvine said: “Bluetongue is a potentially devastating disease, as has unfortunately been seen in other countries. 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.”
NSA response
The National Sheep Association (NSA) has said that it welcomes the changes and supported vaccination as the best method of protecting livestock from Bluetongue.
NSA chief executive Phil Stocker commented: “We welcome these changes and the acknowledgement from Welsh Government that a balance needs to be struck between the threat that bluetongue brings, but also the need for cross-border trade for farmers and markets.
“We urge all farmers to seriously consider vaccinating their sheep so they are able to take advantages of these rule changes, especially as Welsh Government is also considering direct farm-to-farm moves for vaccinated stock. Vaccination remains the best method of protecting stock and reducing the potentially devastating consequences of bluetongue.”
Helen Roberts, NSA Cymru/Wales development officer, added: “While we welcome this announcement and the possibility of direct movements, we will continue to work with Welsh Government to ensure farmers and the industry generally is given sufficient notice about the dates for the operation of the proposed Green Markets, allowing sheep from England to be sold in Wales.
“We need to ensure the application process for the markets is smooth and licenses for auctions are given as soon as possible as many livestock auctions and breed societies will have closing dates already set in August for September sales and, as we all know, sale dates cannot be changed at the last minute.”
