NFU says Defra decision on bluetongue vaccine a welcome step

The NFU has greeted Defra's decision to issue a tender for a bluetongue vaccine bank as a welcome step towards tackling the disease.

No vaccine is currently available for the strain of the disease circulating in England but several companies are developing vaccines which are expected to be available from next summer.

NFU President Peter Kendall said: "The current bluetongue outbreak is causing huge anxiety among livestock farmers and they will be greatly relieved to see the Government's commitment to secure a vaccine bank. Vaccination will be the key tool in protecting English livestock farmers from the devastating impact bluetongue has had across much of Northern Europe.

"This move is a welcome first step but there are still a lot of practical issues regarding vaccination that need to be addressed urgently."