Bluetongue guidance for shows and events in England in 2024
This guidance only applies to movements of bluetongue susceptible animals. Non-susceptible animals may attend shows as normal.
Applies to England
This guidance only applies to movements of bluetongue susceptible animals. Susceptible animals are ruminants and camelids. Non-susceptible animals may attend shows as normal.
This policy applies to England only. Movements from any premises in bluetongue zones in England to Wales or Scotland are matters for the Welsh and Scottish Governments respectively. Please check with the APHA before you consider moving a susceptible animal from Wales or Scotland to a show in a bluetongue zone.
Show organisers should make themselves familiar with the guidance on how to spot and report bluetongue and the bluetongue disease control framework in England.
They should also review their contingency plan and make sure exhibitors are aware of the requirements for attending the show or event.
Contact the Defra Rural Services Helpline with any queries.
Further information is also available on our recorded webinar.
Shows taking place in the absence of bluetongue control zones
Risks of introduction of bluetongue are higher in the south and south-east of England. Keepers should consider these risks before taking susceptible stock to shows in high-risk counties.
Shows operating in these areas are advised to implement midge control measures where practical.
Shows should not accept animals showing clinical signs of any disease and suspicion of notifiable disease must be reported to the APHA.
Shows due to take place inside bluetongue zones
Where a show takes place inside a control zone, the movement of susceptible animals onto the showground must be licensed. Susceptible animals may be licensed to attend shows in the same control zone. Susceptible animals will not be licensed to enter control zones to attend shows.
Susceptible animals can move freely within restricted zones to attend and return from shows in the same restricted zone.
Susceptible animals entering restricted zones from the free area to attend shows will only be licensed to leave the zone following the show if they meet the exit criteria for that zone. These criteria will likely include testing requirements and restrictions at the destination premises outside the zone.
Shows outside bluetongue zones
Susceptible animals may be licensed to leave bluetongue zones to attend shows, depending on the disease situation. These licences will include pre-movement testing requirements and animals will likely be placed under restriction when they return to the premises of origin.
Show organisers should consider whether to accept susceptible animals from bluetongue zones.
Bluetongue zones declared after shows have started
If a show is in a control zone that is declared after animals start arriving, the show may continue but no further susceptible animals will be licensed to enter the control zone to attend the show. Susceptible animals will need a licence to leave the show, and this will include testing and restrictions.
If a show is subject to restricted zone measures after animals start arriving, susceptible animals may leave the show but will not be able to leave the restricted zone without a licence, which will include testing requirements and movement restrictions at destination.
Bluetongue suspicion or confirmation at the show
If bluetongue is suspected at the showground, the animal keeper or show organiser must immediately notify the APHA, and the show organiser should consult the APHA for advice in the first instance. The show may be allowed to continue, but all susceptible animals will be required to remain on the premises pending a veterinary investigation.
No further susceptible animals will be able to enter the showground until disease is negated.
If bluetongue is confirmed, the APHA will advise on measures to be taken and the controls and testing required to allow susceptible animals off the showground.