Tom’s appeal comes on behalf of dairy and livestock members currently dealing with the disease as it “exploded” across the southwest, exacerbated by the recent hot weather.
As the disease continues to spread across the country, Tom asks members to order vaccines to try and avoid the “torture” that some farmers are currently experiencing, including the extreme pressure they are under and their concerns for the welfare of their animals.
Read: The realities of bluetongue – NFU Dairy Chair on facing BTV-3 on farm
Keeping members informed
Tom’s vlog comes after the NFU held a series of in-person meetings across the southwest offering support and guidance for those affected and those wanting to gain awareness and protect their farms against the disease.
Tom addressed packed meeting rooms to inform members about ongoing NFU work and engagement with Defra, APHA and industry partners as the situation continues to evolve, as well as chairing invaluable Q&A sessions between experts and members.
“Make sure you’re not next.”
NFU President Tom Bradshaw
During the briefing at Sedgemoor Market, NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: “The speed and scale [of the outbreak] took many by surprise – no one expected it.
“The impact, because of heat stress, is different to what we have seen before, it is in an intensive livestock area and the midges are multiplying much more quickly.
“When the Prime Minister was in Cornwall we discussed the issue and I told the Farming Minister he must not leave without seeing bluetongue, it would be unforgivable, and we were able to make sure he met with members to discuss the issue with him.”
NFU President Tom Bradshaw speaks at a meeting held at North Molton Sports and Community Centre, Devon.
Tom went on to highlight three issues that the NFU are currently pressing the government on: vaccine availability, the reporting system and the need for a fallen stock scheme.
Hundreds of members attended the briefings, with the NFU bringing together leading experts and industry representatives to provide members with clear, reliable and up-to-date information, on top of practical advice.
Across the three briefings, your NFU representatives and experts held dialogue with representatives from APHA, Defra, South West Farm Vets and Torch Farm Vets.
Latest NFU guidance and support on bluetongue
Bluetongue vaccination: could it save your farm money?
Caring for animals with suspected or confirmed bluetongue
Bluetongue – act now, before the virus reaches your farm
Bluetongue – vaccination best form of defence as concern grows over spread of virus
Bluetongue vaccination – protecting fertility, stock and farm businesses
NFU urges action
NFU President Tom Bradshaw and NFU members used the opportunity to highlight the myriad pressures associated with not just an outbreak of this heartbreaking disease but the looming threat of an outbreak amid concerns over BTV vaccine availability, testing capacity and fallen stock collection delays.
The NFU continues to press for practical measures that support effective control, minimise costs and reduce bureaucracy for farmers on the front lines of defence against the disease.
NFU to host webinar
On Monday 24 August, the NFU is also holding an hour-long webinar to bring members the latest and offer them a direct line to experts to raise concerns and ask questions.
As well as covering the latest information, the webinar will go into detail on subjects such as transmission risk, disease identification and vaccination.
To find out more and book your spot on the webinar, visit: The latest on bluetongue in England and Wales | NFU webinar.
