51AVÊÓƵ

Yorkshire and Lincolnshire farms now in bluetongue restricted zone

“We appreciate the impact restrictions can have on farmers. We are committed to working with everyone affected"

clock • 2 min read
The Government said there have been more than 65 farms which have returned a positive case of bluetongue since August 26.
Image:

The Government said there have been more than 65 farms which have returned a positive case of bluetongue since August 26.

Parts of Lincolnshire and Yorkshire have now been placed under a restricted bluetongue zone following an increase in cases.

The Government said it had revoked 20km Temporary Control Zones (TCZs) around affected premises in both counties on Tuesday (September 17) after it found evidence the virus was transmitting locally. 

APHA said the TCZs will be replaced by a larger restricted zone area covering East Riding of Yorkshire and part of Lincolnshire which now restricts the movement of livestock without an authorised licence.

READ NOW: Financial consequences of bluetongue restrictions could see Suffolk farmer £50,000 out of pocket

The UK's Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said it has also seen a 'dramatic' increase of cases across northern Europe in a short space of time.

She said the disease can be 'damaging', causing issues including reduced milk yields, sickness, and reduced reproductive performance.

Dr Middlemiss added: "As the number of bluetongue cases continues to rise in England and northern Europe, we are taking prompt action to mitigate the spread of the disease.

"I urge farmers within bluetongue control zones to adhere to restrictions and remain vigilant to prevent the disease spreading to their herds.

"We appreciate the impact restrictions can have on farmers.

"We are committed to working with everyone affected.

"We will continue to keep control zones under review as our understanding of the disease picture develops."

APHA's chief executive Jenny Stewart said: "Since the first bluetongue case for this season which was detected last month, case numbers have continued to rise.

"I want to remind keepers of the importance of monitoring their livestock and taking up free testing where necessary.

"Scientists, vets and field teams from the APHA are working hard to help tackle bluetongue virus and ensure farmers are kept up to date and supported."

Farmers should report any suspicion of bluetongue in animals in England to APHA on 03000200301.

READ NOW: Bluetongue concerns placing a 'heavy burden' on farmers' mental health

FARM LOANS & RE-MORTGAGES

£±Ê°¿´¡

BNG National Habitat Bank Creation & Unit

£±Ê°¿´¡

Commercial Secured Bridging Loans for Business

£±Ê°¿´¡

More on Animal Health

UK issues livestock import ban on Hungary and Slovakia to restrict foot-and-mouth disease

UK issues livestock import ban on Hungary and Slovakia to restrict foot-and-mouth disease

Defra has placed a ban on cattle, pigs, sheep and deer from entering the UK from Hungary and Slovakia following a confirmed case of the disease last week

clock 10 March 2025 • 5 min read
Foot-and-mouth disease confirmed at farm in Hungary

Foot-and-mouth disease confirmed at farm in Hungary

Hungary now joins Germany in losing its foot-and-mouth disease free status

clock 07 March 2025 • 3 min read
Nigel Bennet: "The best way to fight foot-and-mouth disease is to stop it before it reaches your farm"

Nigel Bennet: "The best way to fight foot-and-mouth disease is to stop it before it reaches your farm"

Mr Bennet writes about the need for UK farmers to remain vigilant to the signs of animal diseases on-farm following a ‘scare’ at Exeter Livestock Centre over the last week.

clock 06 March 2025 • 2 min read