United Kingdom-MP on TB Erradication.

UNITED KINGDOM-MP ON TB IN CATTLE.

TORRIDGE and West Devon MP Geoffrey Cox is calling for all livestock farmers to take advantage of the next few weeks and vaccinate their animals against Bluetongue before the warmer weather sets in.

A recent campaign named JAB, which includes members such as the National Farmers’ Union, National Sheep Association, National Beef Association and many others, is pushing for farmers to obtain the vaccine.

Although 2008 did not see a resurgence of the disease, countries such as France demonstrated that farmers are still at risk as they saw dramatic increases in numbers of infected livestock.

According to the NFU, "there is a very real risk Bluetongue could circulate again in the UK in 2009, either as a result of windborne incursion or through animals legally brought in to the UK from the continent, so the need to protect our livestock remains as important as ever".

Mr Cox said: "During 2008, I and many others campaigned vigorously for the Bluetongue vaccine to be available to farmers in Devon and also for a coherent policy on Bluetongue movement restrictions. It would be devastating to see a rise of cases during 2009 and I urge all livestock farmers to take note of the JAB campaign and get their animals vaccinated against this disease.".