The NFU has urged all livestock farmers to help reduce the possibility of bluetongue circulating in the UK by seriously considering if it's worth importing livestock from parts of the European Community where the virus is known to be active.
NFU livestock board chairman Alistair Mackintosh said there was no evidence that bluetongue is circulating in this country at the moment, but warned that the peak period for midge activity had led to ideal conditions for the virus to spread and resulted in cases of both BTV1 and BTV8 in mainland Europe.
He said: "I would urge all producers who feel they have to source animals from these areas to think long and hard about the risk and the effects that this terrible disease could have not only on their own stock but also on their neighbours and the whole industry. People must remember that although we have BTV8 vaccination we as yet don't have a licensed BTV1 vaccine available to us in the UK.
"I would personally be happy if no one imported livestock from at-risk areas, particularly in this peak period, but where producers choose to ignore the risks they need to be absolutely certain that the animals have either been correctly vaccinated, and met all the appropriate conditions of the vaccine, or have been thoroughly tested to ensure they are not carrying the virus.
"This terrible illness can have a huge economic impact on farm businesses. It would be absolutely disastrous if farmers themselves were to import the virus and then it was to circulate."
Mr Mackintosh urged all livestock farmers to remain vigilant for any signs of bluetongue in their animals and to report any signs of the illness to their local Animal Health office immediately.
No comments have been made.