UK dairy trade remains strong amid bluetongue disease restrictions

The UK dairy trade remains resilient despite the ongoing presence of bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3). In Carlisle, the Breachgorse dispersal sale saw high demand for pedigree Holstein cattle, with prices reaching up to 4,000gns. The sale attracted buyers from 18 different counties across England, Scotland, and Wales.

In Scotland, the government is transitioning the Bluetongue Temporary Control Zone in south-west Scotland to a Restricted Zone effective September 10. This follows the confirmation of 21 BTV-3 cases within Dumfries and Galloway. The disease, which is spread by biting midges, affects various ruminants but does not pose a risk to human health or food safety.

Under the new Restricted Zone regulations, licenses remain necessary for moving livestock out of the zone to other parts of Scotland. However, due to dropping temperatures reducing midge activity, certain movement restrictions have been eased. Store, fattening, and non-pregnant female animals will no longer require testing or vaccination to move into disease-free areas, though specific breeding animals will still require these measures.