NEW Bluetongue Virus restrictions imposed in England this week has implications for this region.
DEFRA brought in criteria for cattle and sheep travelling from England to Scotland.
They will require movement licences to cross the border, with cattle having to be fully vaccinated with the Boehringer “Bultavo-3” vaccine.
All movements of non-vaccinated sheep and cattle into Scotland require a negative pre-movement test within seven days of travel, regardless of vaccination status.
NFU Scotland animal health and welfare policy manager Penny Middleton said: “Vaccination remains a vital tool in protecting animal health. All available vaccines provide effective protection against the symptoms of BTV-3 but manufacturers are currently unable to demonstrate that any vaccine prevents transmission of BTV-3 in sheep. For that reason, Scottish Government will continue to require pre-movement testing of all sheep moving into Scotland, regardless of vaccination status.”
NFU Scotland has made clear that these measures will have significant consequences for cross-border trade, particularly for Scottish producers who regularly market stock at English sales and may now face costly and complex return protocols.
The Union has consistently opposed Scotland joining the BTV-3 Restricted Zone, citing the need to maintain strong disease prevention measures but has promised to keep its position under review with its members as the situation progresses.
