Bluetongue is a “serious and growing threat” to the UK livestock sector, the NFU has warned.
The farming union said it was spreading at an “alarming rate across the UK”, with the south west a particular hotspot for the disease.
Nearly 300 confirmed cases have already been recorded in England and Wales during the current season, with 31 new cases confirmed in England on Thursday alone. All were tested following reports of suspicious clinical signs.
The hot dry weather has created favourable conditions for biting midges, the insects that spread it.
“The past few days have been a stark reminder that bluetongue poses a serious and growing threat to the UK livestock sector and it’s not going away any time soon,” said Clare Wise, NFU acting livestock board chair. “This disease can have serious consequences for cattle, sheep and other ruminants, affecting animal health, productivity, movement and trade, while also creating considerable stress and financial pressure for livestock farming businesses.”
Wise urged farmers to “assess the risks and consider all tools available”, adding that vaccination was proving to be the “most effective shield against the disease”.
The NFU has also welcomed the push by manufacturers to make more vaccines available.
Last week, National Sheep Association chief executive Phil Stocker said vaccination was “the only proven way of protecting stock on the farm and the wider industry”.
He added that despite the vaccine taking 28 days for full immunity, a level of protection was likely to be reached earlier. With several months of midge activity ahead, it was still worth doing, he said.
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