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25 - June - 2008BLUETONGUE VACCINE NEWS IS THE KICKSTART WELSH FARMERS DESPERATELY NEED

The Rural Affairs Minister’s announcement that 850,000 doses of the Bluetongue vaccine will be made available to Wales later this week has been welcomed by NFU Cymru’s President as a much needed kickstart following the recent disappointing and unfortunate delay.

The current Restricted Zone (RZ) in Wales will be converted to a Protection Zone (PZ) as of mid-day Friday and from that time 850,000 doses of Bluetongue vaccine will be made available to those farmers in the PZ area.

Dai Davies, NFU Cymru President said, “I’m urging those farmers in the PZ to vaccinate their susceptible animals such as sheep and cattle as soon as possible in order to protect their stock, their livelihoods and the industry as a whole against this deadly disease.

“While I appreciate it is an added cost at a time when the livestock sectors can ill-afford it, I regard it as a small price to pay for the protection and insurance against Bluetongue that it will provide us as individual farmers.  The alternative is unthinkable.  I don’t think we can afford not to vaccinate.”

Mr Davies went on to quash rumours about adverse reactions to the vaccine.  He said, “These rumours that are currently circulating around livestock markets that there have been adverse reactions to the vaccine are unsubstantiated. 

If anyone has cause for concern then they should report it to the VMD (Veterinary Medicines Directorate) or the vaccine manufacturer.  The vaccine has been widely used in the PZ in England and there has been no evidence of untoward reactions.”                                                       

Mr Davies warns, “There is no Government compensation for any losses sustained due to Bluetongue and our fate is largely in our own hands as far as this disease is concerned. My firm advice remains don’t procrastinate – vaccinate.”

A detailed question and answer briefing is available for members to view on NFU Cymru’s website: www.nfu-cymru.org.uk or alternatively members may obtain paper copies from their local Group Secretary office.  Useful information is also contained on the Welsh Assembly Government website: www.wales.gov.uk or the Defra website: www.defra.gov.uk.

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