Bluetongue testing update.

Bluetongue pre-movement testing exemptions have been extended from 15 May and now apply until 12 June 2025, unless you are notified otherwise. This means livestock keepers do not have to test non-breeding animals over 60 days old before moving them out of the restricted zone. Keepers must apply for a specific movement licence to move animals out of the restricted zone

The following animals are considered higher risk and will require pre-movement testing as a condition of a specific licence to move out of the RZ:

• entire males intended for breeding

• females that are pregnant or have unknown pregnancy status

• youngstock that are under 60 days old at the time of movement – these animals require a single test before they can be moved – unless they are travelling at foot with the maternal dam, in which case you can just test the maternal dam by PCR and ELISA

• animals being moved for germinal product collection (ova, semen or embryo).

  This exemption may end sooner if the risk of bluetongue transmission increases.