June 9, 2008

UK's Southwest to allow vaccination of bluetongue disease

UK cattle farmers in the South West are being urged to vaccinate their cattle against bluetongue disease as the area has been cleared for vaccination.

The whole of the South West became a protection zone on Monday, permitting farmers to vaccinate against the disease.

THE chairman of the National Farmers' Union's South West livestock board has warned farmers in Somerset and the rest of the region to vaccinate their animals.

John Hore said the cost and inconvenience involved pales compared to the long term welfare and economic consequences to the South-West's livestock sector if the disease takes hold in the region.

The virus is carried by midges and could spread to species such as sheep, cattle, goats and deer, causing death and stillbirth.

"Any livestock keepers that have not yet done so, should contact their vets immediately to arrange appropriate protection," Hore said.