Northumberland farmers have ten days to get moving

Following the government announcement that the extension of the Bluetongue Protection Zone into Northumberland is imminent but will not be before September 1, the NFU is urging livestock farmers to make the most of this 'window of opportunity'.

Commenting today (20 August) chairman of the regional livestock board and Rochester farmer, Malcolm Corbett said he was pleased that the government had listened to industry requests to give farmers in Northumberland and Cumbria as much notice as possible of when the Protection Zone was likely to be extended.

"It has been obvious for some time that in line with vaccine availability, the Zone was likely to be extended just as we're getting ready for the autumn breeding sales," he said.

"This is why we have asked for as much advance notice as possible, to give people the chance of getting their animals where they need to be before the border with Scotland is closed.

"Defra has responded to this request and it's now up to us to make the best use of the next ten days. Farmers must also realise that it is perfectly legal to move animals right up to the point that the Protection Zone is extended. Rumours that animals are already being turned back by Trading Standards in Scotland should be ignored.

"We recognise that this advance notice will not help everyone, but at least it gives farmers a chance to explore every possibility."

Once the Zone is extended it will not be possible to move any animals out of the Zone into Scotland, which will still be classed as a free area. Movements south into the rest of England – all of which will then be in a Protection Zone – will be unaffected.

Increased freedom of movement under the terms of a general licence will kick in 60 days after animals are successfully vaccinated although farmers should realise that if they intend moving an animal to Scotland, it will need a veterinary certificate of vaccination. Earlier movements are allowed but are subject to strict conditions that include a pre-movement test.

Malcolm also urged all livestock farmers to make contact with their vet if they have not already done so and register the number of vaccine doses they require.

"This is a really nasty disease that is still wreaking havoc with livestock on the continent – where the vaccine has not been made as widely available as it is here," he said. "We are lucky that we have the chance to protect our animals and should seize the opportunity."