The situation in the UK has remained static since the last confirmed premise for BTV-8 (an imported case) was detected on 14 November 2008: y

• There has been no evidence of circulating disease in 2008 or 2009.

• There have been no positive cases found as a result of post import tests during 2009.

• The whole of GB remains in a Protection Zone for BTV8.

A compulsory vaccination campaign was in place in Scotland for cattle and sheep. The compulsory vaccination programme was suspended on October 25 2009, moving into the vector free period. After this date keepers may continue to vaccinate their stock on a voluntary basis.

The vaccination arrangements for 2010 in Scotland will be decided by the end of 2009. The decision is dependent on disease developments and surveillance results over the next few months. Defra and the Devolved Administrations are going to carry out a month long survey across the whole of the country, starting on 1 November 2009. The idea is to get a clearer idea of the current BTV8 disease situation, and detect any incursion of other serotypes.

DEFRA says it considers it "crucial" to continue to vaccinate against BTV8. We will therefore have to wait to learn what the policy will be for 2010.

However it is essential that Charollais breeders put every effort into facilitating trade between the UK and Northern Ireland and Eire. We will make a joint approach with other pedigree breed organisations (i.e. Suffolk and Texel societies) to persuade the NI Dept to accept animals from the UK without threat of SFP inspections etc. We will also give breeders in the UK mainland all the information they need i.e. timing and requirements for vaccination so that they can have sheep available for export. At the Premier Sale we should make the purchase of rams by breeders in NI and Eire as simple as possible.

Please do not make the mistake and assume that we have eradicated Bluetongue. This is not the case.  Last year was a great success in that over 95% of farmers in the East vaccinated their livestock and prevented spread of the disease across the UK.  In order for this disease to be prevented this year, we urge all Charollais breeders to vaccinate their stock.  Please take advice from your own veterinary surgeon on the most appropriate time for this to take place in your flock - but please do it.