Bluetongue approved red markets have been set up in Wales to allow greater flexibility for farmers and auctioneers while maintaining disease controls.

From 14 July animals can be moved from the Restricted Zone (RZ) in England to a red market in Wales, for direct onward movement to a designated slaughterhouse in Wales or one within the RZ.

Decision

Animals brought to these markets do not require vaccination or pre-movement testing. The decision follows a Bluetongue roundtable meeting hosted by the Welsh Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies on 8 July with representatives of the livestock industry to discuss future bluetongue policy.