Bluetongue detected in Kent - what it means for pigs

Bluetongue has been confirmed in a single cow near Canterbury, Canterbury, Kent, following routine surveillance for the virus. 

Movement restrictions apply to cattle, sheep and other ruminants. A 10 km temporary control zone has been declared around the premises where the animal was kept.

Bluetongue is a disease of ruminants and we have receieved clarification from APHA that pig movements are not restricted, even if they are on the same farm as ruminants, NPA senior policy adviser Katie Jarvis said.

For ruminants, APHA has said animal movements will not be licensed within or out of the temporary control zone (TCZ), until it has a better assessment of the disease situation. However, if there is an urgent and genuine welfare need, keepers may apply now to the APHA for a specific licence here: . 

There is more information on the gov.uk site page on this outbreak.