Manchester Bluetongue scare should act as wake up call says NFU

Livestock farmers in the North West collectively breathed a huge sigh of relief on Monday after results of a suspected case of Bluetongue on a farm in Greater Manchester came back negative.

NFU Lancashire County Chairman, David Graveston, is understandably relieved at the outcome and strongly believes the scare should now sharpen the minds of farmers in the region and focus them on the disastrous consequences should this disease take hold in the county. And he is particularly aiming his comments at those who are importing cattle from Bluetongue infected areas in Europe.

"Bluetongue is potentially the most devastating disease to ever challenge the livestock industry", said David.

"Deaths of sheep in a flock may reach as high as 70 percent. The condition can lead to a reduction in meat and wool production in the animals that survive. Fertility problems have been reported in cattle with bulls becoming infertile, milk yields drop by 20% and cattle which go out to grass in calf come in empty. In Belgium, just under 18% of cattle that became infected with the disease died.

"What farmers need to realise is that unlike Foot and Mouth Disease there is no compensation for animals that die of Bluetongue and they will have to dispose of the animals at their own cost.

"The NFU is encouraging farmers to find out as much as they can about this disease and I would urge all livestock keepers to contact their local NFU group office.

"Farmers importing cattle from Bluetongue infected areas of Europe really need to think about the implications of importing stock from these places. The threat is real and without a vaccine they are taking huge risks with own businesses as well as their neighbours'. Farmers who are importing stock need to ask themselves if it's really worth the risk. Vaccine is not yet available but orders must be placed with vets now."