Bluetongue Zones Extended

- Published: 20 March, 2008

Defra has confirmed changes to the bluetongue protection and surveillance zones following an outbreak of the disease on farms within the current zones.

In accordance with the UK Bluetongue Control Strategy and EU legislation, one case in Hertfordshire required the protection zone to be extended further into Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire.

A separate case found in the surveillance zone required the protection zone to extend further into Norfolk and Lincolnshire, and the surveillance zone further into North and West Yorkshire.

The infected animals were found as a result of pre-movement testing, which was required to move animals out of zones during the vector-free period that ended on 15 March. However, all evidence suggests that these animals were infected before the vector-free period.

For further information and updates visit Defra's website at: http://www.defra.gov.uk