As the show season draws to a close it is pleasing to reflect on a very successful season. More details will be posted on the "Shows" page as the photos come in, but already it is clear that the quality of stock is improving substantially.
Stock that would have won comfortably a few years ago are now mid-line, while judges are faced with a complete line up of outstanding sheep.
We must look to capitalise on this quality by drawing in new members and gathering greater support for the breed. any ideas?
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Veterinary, Imports Policy, Evidence, Risk and Surveillance
Date: 13 June 2011
To: Interested parties
Removal of Bluetongue 8 Lower Risk Zone in England, Scotland and Wales
Purpose
To make livestock keepers and importers aware of the changes to the BTV8
zone in GB. These changes will take effect from 5th July 2011.
Background
GB has remained part of a Protection Zone for BTV8 since our first case of
disease in 2007. We have had no cases of BTV 8 since 2008 and our last national
surveillance exercise which was carried out in November 2010 showed that we are
free from circulating disease. On 12th June 2010 the European Commission agreed
that GB could implement a Lower Risk Zone (LRZ) which has acted as a first step
toward freedom from disease.
BTV cases have decreased significantly across Europe in 2009 and 2010. The
mass vaccination campaigns among Member States appear to have been successful in
controlling the spread of disease and we consider that the threat of disease
infection from the continent is now very low.
Having now completed 2 years of surveillance to demonstrate absence of
disease circulation, GB is in a position to declare ourselves free from BTV8 and
remove the zones that have been in place.
EU law does not permit vaccination outside of a protection zone, and
therefore BTV8 vaccination will no longer be allowed once GB is declared BTV
free.
Action
The change to BTV free status will occur on 5th July 2011.
From this date, bluetongue susceptible species being exported from GB will
no longer need to be vaccinated against BTV8 or meet any of the other 'Annex III
conditions. Vaccination of animals in GB after 5th July will not be
permitted.
Since June 2010, bluetongue susceptible species being imported into GB have
had to meet full 'Annex III conditions'. This requirement will continue when GB
changes to BTV free status. We expect the conditions most likely to be used for
moves into GB would be vaccination plus 60 day wait; vaccination plus a test 14
days after onset of immunity; or a booster vaccination within time period of
immunity.
Post import testing will continue on a risk-based regime, as for other
diseases, whereby imports will be tested depending on the risk of each
susceptible consignment.
In cases where zoos are expecting imports of BT susceptible exotic animals
there is currently the option to agree bilaterally the conditions under which
the animals can be imported as in many cases Annex III requirements cannot be
met. We would advise that importers plan ahead and inform Animal Health
Veterinary Laboratory Agencies (AHVLA) special service centre for imports in
Chelmsford well in advance.
Contact point for enquiries
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