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Measures restricting the movement of livestock because of the Bluetongue virus have been eased from today (Monday August 18), the Welsh Government has said.

Welsh livestock that have completed a course of a Bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) vaccination, will be able to attend English markets within 20km (12 miles) of the Welsh border.

Markets eligible to hold dedicated sales of vaccinated Welsh only livestock include Bishops Castle, Hereford, Kington, Ludlow, Market Drayton, Oswestry, Ross-on-Wye and Shrewsbury, and must adhere to specific conditions.

Bluetongue presents no threat to food safety or human health but can be fatal for livestock. while there have been some cases in England, there have been none in Wales so far.

The UK Government, since July 1, had designated England a “restricted zone” meaning livestock cannot enter Wales from there.

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.

“It is important that we all recognise the implicit, and cumulative risk in progressively removing livestock restrictions, and the balance that must be struck between the ability to trade and the increased risk of disease incursion.

“Through discussions the industry also fully recognises their responsibilities, including the need to ensure compliance with the requirements to attend sales and markets, the fundamental role of Bluetongue vaccination – and the shared risk and consequences should Bluetongue enter Wales.”

“With the autumn sales approaching, we are considering further adjustments to our policy, including facilitating breeding sales at ‘Bluetongue Approved Green Markets’ located in Wales for the sale of BTV-3 vaccinated livestock from England and Wales.

“These sales will be able to apply to become ‘Bluetongue Approved Green Markets’ from mid-September.”