Vaccination the key to bluetongue battle
Don't hesitate - vaccinate is the message going out to livestock keepers as part of a major campaign against bluetongue.
The first three million doses of BTV8 vaccine were released this week for use in the bluetongue protection zone, which includes all of East Anglia.
Farmers and smallholders are being urged to vaccinate their cattle and sheep against the virus to avoid the devastation bluetongue has already caused in countries such as France, Germany and Holland.
A postcard has been sent to everyone who keeps cattle and sheep in East Anglia, highlighting the importance of vaccination and urging them to order vaccine from their vet.
NFU East Anglia is also working with other organisations including the region's agricultural societies, vets and Animal Health to ensure maximum awareness of the campaign. It is being funded with the help of East of England Development Agency.
NFU East Anglia livestock board chairman and Essex farmer Ian Frood said: "The message is clear - farmers cannot afford not to vaccinate.
"They owe it to their animals, their neighbours and their industry to seize this opportunity to stop bluetongue in its tracks.
"I will be vaccinating at the earliest opportunity to protect my animals and I urge everyone else with cattle and sheep to do the same."
To help reinforce the message, NFU East Anglia has produced a short video explaining the importance of vaccination and demonstrating the process. It can be viewed on the NFU website, www.nfuonline.com, and will also be distributed to farmer groups on DVD.
NFU regional livestock adviser Alex Butler-Zagni said: "Bluetongue is devastating in its second season. It causes deaths, stillbirths and reduced productivity in sheep and cattle. Offspring of infected animals can be born with the virus and often die.
"Our farmers have travelled to the continent to see the serious impact it has already had there. We can avoid that if enough animals are vaccinated now."
The initial vaccination programme is concentrating on the bluetongue protection zone, which includes all of East Anglia. As more vaccine becomes available it will be given to more farms as the zone is expanded.
Britain's first bluetongue case occurred in Suffolk in September last year and there are now 127 infected premises, mainly in East Anglia and the South East. It is spread from animal to animal by biting midges and doesn't affect people.
