July 23, 2009
British livestock farmers warned on bluetongue-contaminated imports
Livestock farmers in the UK have been cautioned about importing animals from bluetongue hotspots.
Welsh chief vet Christianne Glossop said since the government could not ban imports, it was up to farmers to balance the benefits and risks of bringing in animals.
Glossop also expressed her disappointment that over half of Welsh farmers had not taken up the opportunity to vaccinate.
She said cattle stocks are "still vulnerable" and that they were lucky that serotype 8 infection had not "woken up with a vengeance" in France this year.
On bovine TB, Glossop reported that the Health Check testing of all cattle herds in Wales was running ahead of schedule.
Legislation was being prepared to allow intensive action, including a limited badger cull, in north Pembrokeshire, she added.
Glossop said he mandate is seen to take effect by autumn.
