At the meeting, which took place on Monday 14 September at the International Pavillion on the Royal Welsh Showground, NFU Cymru Brecon and Radnor County Chair Edward Harris, chaired a panel of industry experts including, Dr Richard Irvine, Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) for Wales; Javier Lopez Leon, Veterinary Adviser, APHA Field Delivery; Dr Geroge Roberts, Iechyd Da Director and Partner in Hafren Vets and NFU Cymru Deputy President Paul Williams.
Disease continuing to spread
CVO for Wales Dr Richard Irvine told those in attendance that Bluetongue cases in Wales had now passed the 100 mark and the disease continues to spread due to the warmer weather making favourable conditions for biting midges.
He said that it was important farmers remained vigilant and encouraged those who haven’t yet done so to speak to their vets about vaccination because it is the best form of defence against the disease. He added that rumours around vaccinating and fertility are false and that it is the disease that impacts fertility - not the vaccine.
Notifiable disease
Javier Lopez Leon, Veterinary Adviser, APHA Field Delivery told the audience about the signs and symptoms of Bluetongue to look out for in their stock. He said these can be very different from farm to farm and that should farmers see any symptoms or signs of their sheep or cattle acting differently, they should speak with their vet as soon as possible. As Bluetongue is a notifiable disease, any suspicions must be reported to APHA and he outlined how the reporting process works, emphasising that there was no cost to the farmer nor restrictions imposed as a result.
More vaccine supply available
Dr Geroge Roberts, Iechyd Da Director and Partner in Hafren Vets, told members that veterinary practices across Wales had experienced difficulties in ensuring the vaccine was available but that now, more supply was available for farmers who need it. He emphasised that it was very important that commercial manufacturers and vet practices have an accurate picture of the scale of demand; by planning ahead they can ensure enough vaccine is manufactured and made available. Dr Roberts encouraged those in attendance to make their vet aware of their wish to order the vaccine as soon as possible, whether it’s for immediate use or for next spring. He highlighted that with the virus likely to overwinter in Wales, protecting stock now through vaccination will give benefit for next year.
NFU Cymru Deputy President Paul Williams said: “Bluetongue continues to spread across the country and holding this meeting ensures our members are receiving the correct and most up-to-date information on this disease."
“NFU Cymru continues to work with partners as part of the Bluetongue Vaccine Taskforce, which includes the three commercial manufacturers of the Bluetongue vaccine to ensure it becomes available to all who require it as quickly as possible. We have been working with colleagues across England where we’ve seen the disease have devastating impacts to learn the lessons, that is why we continue to remind our members to remain vigilant for any signs of Bluetongue and to vaccinate their stock, if they haven’t already done so.”
