Bluetongue: Scotland to relax movement controls

The Scottish Government has announced that there will be a relaxation of certain movement controls on bluetongue susceptible animals moving from the restricted zone into Scotland.

The relaxation will affect the movement controls of:

• Stores, fattening stock and non-pregnant females of any species
• Pregnant animals: cattle, sheep and goats, deer and camelids
• Breeding males: cattle, sheep, goats, deer and camelids.

The Institute for Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland (IAAS) – the representative body for livestock markets, valuers and auctioneers across Scotland – welcomed the news.

The group noted that a date being set for the easing of controls will ease burdens on markets and farmers.

Movement controls will be eased from 21^st September.

Higher prices for vaccinated animals

IAAS executive director Neil Wilson said: “We have pushed Scottish Government hard to agree a pragmatic date for this for the industry and our mart customers who rely on cross border trade, particularly in the south of the country but all over Scotland. 

“Having a firm date to work towards will encourage more trade and ease the burden on markets and our customers.”

He added: “Cattle and sheep health are vital to our industry and mart trade, and we are encouraging mart customers, who haven’t already, to vaccinate, especially over the next few weeks when stock is being handled.”

Vaccinated livestock appears to be commanding better prices – with £200-300/head more being achieved at Carlisle for dairy cattle recently, as well as buyers offering to pay a premium for vaccinated sheep.

Additionally, Neil pointed out: “[…] As an industry, none of us wants to see BTV restrictions imposed again next June. The cost of vaccination is likely to be greatly outweighed by the reward of uninterrupted trade next summer.”

READ MORE: Bluetongue changes must speed up to protect sector
READ MORE: Bluetongue restricted zone set to cover all of England

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