Current Situation

Updated 08.05.08.2008

On 15.02.08 DARD confirmed that bluetongue virus has been detected in a single animal imported from the Netherlands. The animal and calf were subsequently culled.

On 18.02.08 DARD announced a decision to carry out a further cull of 23 cows and their calves as a result of further tests results on the herd.

On 28.02.08 DARD announced a decision to temporarily suspend imports of female cattle over 12 months and female sheep over 6 months from bluetongue restricted areas in other Member States.

On 13.03.08 the NI executive agreed that the suspension of imports of breeding cattle and sheep from Bluetongue restriction zones will continue until the amendment to the European Bluetongue Regulation (1266/2007) comes into effect.

On 08.05.08 DARD announced new import control measures following the successful application to Brussels to apply a derogation from the general rules of the European Bluetongue Regulation (1266/2007) for the movement of susceptible animals from restricted zones.

A new declaration which stipulates that all imported susceptible animals must move under the conditions stipulated in the Bluetongue Regulation 1266/2007 (as amended) is in force with effect from 00.01 hours on 8 May 2008.  

Only susceptible animals less than 90 days or that have proven natural or vaccinated immunity to Bluetongue, if they meet certain conditions, can be imported from Bluetongue restricted areas.

For more information, please click on the links at the bottom of the page.

On 28 September 2007, Defra confirmed that bluetongue disease is circulating in East Anglia.  The confirmation came following investigations which established that the virus is circulating between the local animal and midge populations.

The vector free period, in Great Britain, ended on 15 March 2008.  Midge activity will increase as the weather grows warmer and the risk of transmission of Bluetongue virus around Great Britain will increase.

For the most up to date information on the situation in GB and details on the restrictions in place please see the Defra website

For clinical signs of the disease please follow the below link:

If you suspect the presence of the disease, contact your local Divisional Veterinary Office immediately. To find the telephone number of your nearest office, call the DARD helpline on: 02890 524999, or visit the DARD website