House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Disease Control Framework for Bluetongue Virus Serotype 3 in England in 2024
23 May 2024 · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Proposed by Mark Spencer Con Sherwood
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- The Disease Control Framework for Bluetongue Virus Serotype 3 in England for 2024 includes extensive surveillance and movement controls.
- Free testing will be provided for high-risk areas to mitigate potential outbreaks.
- Engagement with industry stakeholders and ongoing preparedness work are part of the framework.
Issue summary
The statement discusses the Disease Control Framework for Bluetongue Virus Serotype 3 (BTV-3) in England for 2024, outlining measures to mitigate potential outbreaks and protect livestock.
Action requested
Defra is publishing a framework that includes extensive surveillance, movement controls, free testing for high-risk areas, engagement with industry stakeholders, and ongoing preparedness work. The Government will continue to monitor the development of vaccines and engage with manufacturers while ensuring proportionate control measures are in place.
Key facts
- BTV-3 first appeared in the Netherlands in September 2023.
- Defra stopped imports from affected regions and required testing for bluetongue-related products.
- The first case of BTV-3 was detected in Kent in November 2023, followed by detections in Norfolk.
- A total of 47,425 tests were conducted, identifying 126 infected animals across 73 premises in 4 counties.
- Free bluetongue testing will be offered to keepers in high-risk areas starting when the risk level changes, likely within weeks as temperatures rise and conditions become conducive for disease spread.
- The Government will engage with vaccine manufacturers to ensure an authorised BTV-3 vaccine is developed.