Bluetongue restrictions ease for vaccinated cattle from Wales

Sheep and cattle from Wales which have been vaccinated against bluetongue virus are to be allowed to attend English livestock markets within 12 miles of the border.

Changes to strict limits on the movement of farm animals have been announced in order to help facilitate important upcoming sales of breeding stock.

Movement of livestock from England into Wales is still restricted without a negative test, as is transporting unvaccinated animals across the border.

The Welsh government said a balance “must be struck between the ability to trade and the increased risk of disease incursion”. The changes come into effect from 18 August.

Spread by midges, bluetongue presents no threat to food safety or human health, but can be fatal for livestock, including sheep and cattle.

Welsh livestock which have been fully vaccinated will be able to attend Bishops Castle, Hereford, Kington, Ludlow, Market Drayton, Oswestry, Ross-on-Wye and Shrewsbury.

These markets will have to hold “dedicated sales of vaccinated Welsh only livestock” and adhere to specific conditions, the Welsh government said.

Animals returning to Wales after the sales must complete the movement within the same day and are subject to the conditions of a general licence.

Further adjustments were also being considered, including allowing breeding sales at “bluetongue approved green markets” in Wales, for the sale of vaccinated livestock from both England and Wales.

Livestock markets would be able to apply for approval from mid-September.

Figures recently shared with BBC Wales suggested fewer than 1% of Wales’ eight million sheep had received a jab so far, and between 5-10% of the country’s cattle.

But the farming industry had warned the implications of strict movement restrictions could be “catastrophic” for cross-border trade.

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.”

NFU Cymru urged the Welsh government to “accelerate these measures to support important breeding livestock sales”.

Its president Aled Jones said: “We are concerned that if markets can only apply for this designation (bluetongue approved green markets) from mid September – and with any wait for a licence to be granted – much of the breeding sale season will already have passed by, leaving Welsh farmers at a disadvantage.”