Farmers urged to vaccinate against bluetongue threat

The UK remains at risk from the threat of bluetongue and farmers should vaccinate their animals at the earliest opportunity, the NFU said today.

Defra has launched the 2009 vaccination plan for animals susceptible to bluetongue serotype BTV8 and will continue to promote a voluntary vaccination programme. Although Defra will not be underwriting further vaccine supplies for 2009 it will be making available the remaining 12 million doses of existing stock. Farmers will also be able to source additional vaccine through the open market and should speak to their vets for further advice.

NFU livestock board chairman Alistair Mackintosh said: “Although no circulating bluetongue disease was detected in the UK this year we remain at risk and farmers cannot afford to be complacent. The disease is circulating widely in mainland Europe and there is a real danger it could re-emerge in this country next year.

“Vaccination remains the only effective way to protect susceptible animals and farmers should speak to their vets about ordering the vaccine and vaccinating their animals as soon as possible. The message remains clear – don’t hesitate, vaccinate.”

Earlier this month the NFU joined the leaders on the other UK farming unions in reiterating the call for a suspension of live cattle and sheep imports from infected areas in Continental Europe because of the threat of bluetongue.

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