<p>As a follow-up of the situation concerning Bluetongue, please note that the disease has been recorded also in France.</p><p>The situation in France</p><p>Two outbreaks have indeed been notified in the northern part of the country: one last night (30 August) and one a few hours ago, both within the restricted zone defined at the beginning of the week as a consequence of the outbreaks in Belgium (see e-mail UECBV-651-2006-REV.2).</p><p>The first outbreak was recorded in the town of Brognon, within the department of Ardennes, in a 2- year-old bovine animal, born in France. The animal showed very mild symptoms and was therefore suspected of being infected, which was then confirmed by virological and serological tests. According to the legislation in force and similarly to other MSs concerned, French authorities established protection and surveillance zones, with the additional 20 km zone around the outbreak. Due to the closeness to the Belgian territory part of the 20 km zone falls within Belgium, where the 20 km zone has then been modified accordingly.</p><p>Measures taken in such territories by the French authorities are reported below (and relate of course only to ruminants, their semen, ova and embryos).</p><p>20 km zone: all movements are blocked</p><p>Protection zone: exit of animals is not allowed, while their entry remains possible specific derogations to the ban will be established in the next future</p><p>Territories included: Département des Ardennes Département de l’Aisne : arrondissements de Laon, de Saint-Quentin, de Soissons, de Vervins Département de la Marne : arrondissement de Reims, Département du Nord : arrondissements de Avesnes-sur-Helpe, de Cambrai, de Douai, de Valenciennes</p><p>Surveillance zone: exit of animals is not allowed, while their entry (from free zones) remains possible specific derogations to the ban will be established in the next future</p><p>Territories included: Département de l’Aisne : arrondissement de Château-Thierry, Département de la Marne : arrondissements de Châlons-en- Champagne, d’Epernay, de Sainte-Menehould, de Vitry-le-François Département de la Meurthe-et-Moselle : arrondissement de Briey Département de la Meuse Département de la Moselle : arrondissements de Boulay-Moselle, de Metz-ville, de Metz-campagne, de Thionville-est, de Thionville-ouest Département du Nord : arrondissements de Dunkerque, de Lille Département de l’Oise : arrondissements de Clermont, de Compiègne, de Senlis Département du Pas-de-Calais : arrondissements de Arras, de Béthune, de Lens Département de Seine-et-Marne : arrondissement de Meaux Département de la Somme : arrondissements de Amiens, de Montdidier, de Péronne</p><p>Intra-Community trade: exports from the restricted zones, even if intended for any of the restricted zones in other Member States, are not allowed similarly, all imports originating from restricted zones in other countries are not allowed The second outbreaks has also been recorded in the same part of the country. The restricted zones will be adapted if necessary.</p><p>Attached documents</p><p>. Maps where the new restricted zones in France and Belgium are indicated (the French might be slightly amended according to the location of the second outbreak). . List of insecticides allowed for use in Belgium, Germany and Spain; . Preliminary note highlighting some aspects of the disease and of the outbreaks during the last years in Europe. A more detailed note will follow.</p>