Bitterly disappointed - Union reacts to bluetongue news
NFU Cymru has expressed its bitter disappointment with this afternoon's news that South East Wales is to be included in the BlueTongue virus surveillance zone (SZ).
Dai Davies, NFU Cymru President said, "All our efforts have been based on endeavouring to keep Wales out of the restricted zones and free of disease until a vaccine is available, probably in May, but sadly, we have been thwarted in this attempt.
"I am pleased that the Welsh Assembly Government has felt it appropriate to adopt a minimalist approach whilst fulfilling EU requirements to the extension of the SZ into Wales. We obviously recognise the inevitable difficulties it will pose for those now caught in the extended SZ. Our determination remains to keep as much of Wales as possible out of the restricted zone."
The Surveillance Zone is extended to the counties of Monmouthshire, Torfaen, Caerphilly, Rhondda Cynon Taf, the Vale of Glamorgan, Bridgend, Neath Port Talbot, Cardiff, Blaenau Gwent and Merthyr Tydfil. A small area of Powys is also within the Zone.
Once the news broke this afternoon that Bluetongue restrictions had hit Wales NFU Cymru was quick to inform its members. Mr Davies said, "We have sent a text message to members in the affected areas as well as guiding visitors to our website to the information they require about the virus and what it means to be in the surveillance zone. We will also be issuing a briefing later today, by post, to all our members in the affected areas."
Mr Davies has reiterated the message sent out from the Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, Dr Christianne Glossop, this afternoon who said, "I urge the farming industry to comply with movement restrictions as announced today. First each farmer needs to find out whether their own livestock are now within the newly defined Surveillance Zone. They can do this by checking our website for detailed maps and information. It remains vitally important that farmers maintain vigilance for this disease and report any suspect cases to their local Animal Health Office immediately."
