April 23, 2009
UK gov't warns of bluetongue risks onset of mild weather
The Welsh Assembly government and Meat Promotion Wales (MPW) have warned that mild weather makes it crucial for farmers to vaccinate their livestock against bluetongue.
Wales' chief veterinary officer Christianne Glossop said that reaching key temperature of 15 degrees Celsius has made the need to protect livestock against the disease critical.
Glossop said the rise in temperature triggers midge activity and the ability of the bluetongue virus to replicate, and warned that upland farmers should not be complacent.
She also said that it took three weeks after completing a course of vaccine for animals to have optimal immunity, so it was not sensible to wait until the disease was found close to a farm.
Vaccine was still available from the Welsh Assembly as only 23 percent of the 7.5 million doses ordered had been taken up.
The cost of new stocks would not be underwritten, which could affect the price of vaccines once existing doses had passed their expiry date.
MPW chairman Rees Roberts said bluetongue would have a devastating impact on Welsh livestock production if susceptible animals were not protected in time.
