Vets advise farmers facing bluetongue threat

Farmers are being reminded to be aware of the signs of bluetongue disease as virus-carrying midges become active again.

The warning came at a roadshow in the South East of England which saw vets meet hundreds of farmers who are likely to be directly affected by the spread of disease this summer.

The series of open meetings was packed with anxious farmers, keen to learn more about the disease which has decimated livestock across Europe.

Farmers were told to look out for signs of disease, and report anything immediately to their vet and also to be aware of the long term effects of disease, which are likely to cause the greatest economic damage to the industry.

Jules Dare of Westpoint veterinary group, who hosted the roadshow, said: "The chronic effects are what do the real damage. In cattle we have seen a drop in milk production in infected animals even after they have recovered and that takes a while to get back up to where it should be.