Wales eases bluetongue rules for cross-border sheep sales

A new Welsh government policy will allow the first cross-border autumn sales of bluetongue-vaccinated sheep from 18 August, easing long-standing livestock movement restrictions while managing disease risk.

From that date, Welsh breeding sheep vaccinated against bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV‑3) can attend designated English markets within 20km of the border – Bishops Castle, Hereford, Kington, Ludlow, Market Drayton, Oswestry, Ross-on-Wye and Shrewsbury – under a day trip-only regime.

Animals cannot remain overnight and must leave on a general licence; no pre- or post-movement testing is required if conditions are met.

See also: Financial support for bluetongue testing ruled out

Chief veterinary officer for Wales Dr 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.”

He added that this cautious easing reflects awareness of the cumulative risk of progressively removing livestock restrictions, while emphasising the importance of vaccination.

With the autumn sales approaching, the Welsh government is considering further adjustments to its policy, including facilitating breeding sales at approved markets.

From mid-September, Welsh markets can apply to become “Bluetongue approved green markets”, allowing day trip sales of BTV-3 vaccinated livestock from both England and Wales.

Aled Jones, NFU Cymru president, said: “We urge Welsh government to bring forward the introduction of phase two of this plan.

“We are concerned that if markets can only apply for this designation from mid-September, and with any wait for a licence to be granted, much of the breeding sale season will already have passed by, leaving Welsh farmers at a disadvantage.”

NSA welcomes changes

The National Sheep Association (NSA) welcomed the latest announcement from the Welsh government, but also urged prompt implementation.

Helen Roberts, NSA Cymru/Wales development officer, said: “We need to ensure the application process for the markets is smooth and licences for auctions are given as soon as possible.

“Many livestock auctions and breed societies will have closing dates already set in August for September sales. And as we all know, sale dates cannot be changed at the last minute.”

NSA chief executive Phil Stocker urged all farmers to seriously consider vaccinating their sheep so they are able to take advantage of the rule changes, especially as the Welsh government is also considering direct farm-to-farm moves for vaccinated stock.

© Tim Scrivener

“Vaccination remains the best method of protecting stock and reducing the potentially devastating consequences of bluetongue,” he said.

LAA concerns

The Livestock Auctioneers Association (LAA) welcomed the easing of Welsh bluetongue rules but warned it still limits access to English sheep.

Chris Dodds, LAA executive secretary, said: “Vaccinated English sheep are not being permitted to move from an English market directly to a Welsh holding, or indeed directly from an English holding to a Welsh holding.

“It also does not cover the return of vaccinated sheep on summer grazing or winter tack back into Wales from England.”