Bluetongue Protection Zone extended to Cornwall and into the Welsh Restricted Zone
Defra has today announced that the Protection Zone will be extended at midday on Friday 27 June, following the latest delivery of 2 million doses of Bluetongue vaccine.
In accordance with the Bluetongue vaccination plan, the Protection Zone will be extended to cover Cornwall, including the Isles of Scilly. The Welsh Assembly will also declare the current Restricted Zone in south-east Wales a Protection Zone.
Chief Veterinary Officer, Nigel Gibbens, said: "The roll-out and delivery remain on schedule and we have so far received over 11m doses of vaccine. Initial indications suggest that take-up of vaccine is high. However, as we move into summer the likelihood of disease re-emergence increases and so I urge the industry to remain vigilant. The message to livestock keepers is clear: don't hesitate, vaccinate."
Livestock keepers in the areas coming into the Protection Zone will be able to obtain the vaccine from the time they become part of the Zone but they are encouraged to order vaccine in advance through their vet.
For further details go to www.defra.gov.uk