Livestock Event 2016: ‘Vaccinate to protect against bluetongue’

Defra farm minister George Eustice is urging livestock producers to consider vaccinating animals against bluetongue (BTV-8), with a vaccine set to become available later this month.

Experts warned the UK is at high risk of an outbreak towards the end of the summer as a result of infected midges being blown across the Channel from France, where the disease is present.

Speaking ahead of the opening of the Livestock Event at the NEC, Birmingham on Wednesday (6 July), Mr Eustice called on livestock farmers to keep an eye out for any signs of the disease and report any suspicions to their vet and the Animal and Plant Health Agency immediately.

See also: Bluetongue vaccine available for cattle and sheep by July

“As ever, we will work closely with farmers, industry bodies and vets to make sure we’re well-prepared for a possible outbreak to minimise any impact on livelihoods,” he said.

Bluetongue can cause illnesses in sheep and cattle, and have a negative impact on farm incomes through reduced milk yield, sickness, reduced reproductive performance or, in severe cases, death.

Midges

Minette Batters, NFU deputy president and beef farmer, said: “Midges are impossible to control so the best chance we have is the vaccine, and this will be available from mid-July.

The time between first dose of vaccine to full immunity can be up to six weeks, so as livestock farmers this is something we need to consider now Minette Batters, NFU

“The time between first dose of vaccine to full immunity can be up to six weeks, so as livestock farmers this is something we need to consider now.”

The industry-led Joint Campaign Against Bluetongue is hosting events around the country to ensure farmers know what they can do to protect their livestock and stop the spread of this disease.

Restriction zones are already in place in France, where the BTV-8 virus is circulating, to control the spread of the disease.

If the disease was found in the UK, similar measures, such as movement restrictions, would be put in place in line with country’s disease control strategy.

Farmers and vets who suspect bluetongue must report it immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency on 03000 200 301.