General licence to move animals within the bluetongue restricted zone (EXD612(E))
Published 26 April 2024
Applies to England
© Crown copyright 2024
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/general-licence-to-move-animals-within-the-bluetongue-restricted-zone-exd612e/general-licence-to-move-animals-within-the-bluetongue-restricted-zone-exd612e
This licence allows, subject to compliance with the conditions of the licence, the movement of animals referred to in article 5A(4) and (5) of the Movement of Animals (Restrictions) (England) Order 2002 (as amended) (“the Order”).
This licence is granted without prejudice to any movement restrictions having effect under the Bluetongue Regulations 2008 (as amended) (“the Regulations”), and in particular does not affect the operation of the measures in paragraphs 1 to 3 of Annex 2 to the Declaration of an extended Restricted Zone and an Infected Area, dated 30 June 2025 coming into force at 00:01am on 1 July 2025, which continue to apply in the restricted zone subject to any licence granted under the Regulations.
This general licence applies in England.
The general licence which came into force at 5:57pm on 6 September 2024 is hereby revoked and replaced by this general licence with effect from 8:30am on 1 July 2025.
Signed by: Sarah Lloyd, Veterinary Inspector
Date: 30 June 2025
Time: 5:00pm
Veterinary Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State.
Legislation
This licence is made under article 5A of the Movement of Animals (Restrictions) (England) Order 2002 (as amended).
Conditions of the licence
1. The source premises must not be under a bluetongue premises restriction notice.
2. The destination premises must not be under a bluetongue premises restriction notice.
Explanatory notes
1. “the Order” means the Movement of Animals (Restrictions) (England) Order 2002 (as amended).
2. “the regulations” means the Bluetongue Regulations 2008 (as amended).
3. “Animal” means a ruminating animal or camelid. Ruminating animals includes but is not limited to cattle, sheep, goats and deer. Camelid includes camels, llamas and alpacas.
4. This licence is authorising a movement which is otherwise prohibited by the declaration of an Infected Area declared under Article 5A of the Order in respect of bluetongue disease. This is without prejudice to any movement restrictions having effect under the Bluetongue Regulations 2008 (as amended) or other movement restrictions applicable in the area. This means that you must observe and comply with restrictions in the regulations, and any declaration, notice, designation, licence or other instruction issued under the regulations.
5. A person moving anything under the authority of this licence must, if asked to do so by an inspector, or other officer of the Secretary of State, give their name and address, produce a consignment note and allow copies or an extract to be taken.
6. Record keeping systems must be in place to ensure that all movements can be traced from the source premises to the destination premises.
7. If you suspect notifiable disease you must report this immediately to Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301.
8. All other relevant legislation must be complied with.
Failure to observe the measures required in this licence is an offence under the Movement of Animals (Restrictions) (England) Order 2002 (as amended). The penalty on conviction of an offence under this section is a maximum of 6 months’ imprisonment or a fine not exceeding Level 5 on the standard scale.
Contact us
For further advice on biosecurity measures and any other legislation that may apply, contact the APHA on 03000 200 301 or your local authority.