Farmers urged to register for bluetongue vaccine

Farmers across Wales are today being urged to register for the bluetongue vaccine, before disease-carrying midges hatch in the heat.

The deadly animal disease that Welsh farmers' unions warn could be "even more destructive than foot-and-mouth", has already devastated farms in continental Europe, killing millions of livestock.

Spread by midges that can burrow deep into a sheep's fleece or in manure over the winter, the virus can come back again in the summer when midges begin to reproduce, experts warn.

The clinical signs of the disease are similar to those for foot- and-mouth and include fever, mouth ulceration, frothing at the mouth and swelling of the neck and head.

Now the call for farmers to register for a bluetongue vaccine with their local vet, comes from both the agriculture industry and the Welsh Assembly Government, following a meeting chaired by the Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, Dr Christianne Glossop.

She explained: "A decision to vaccinate in Wales will be taken by Welsh ministers based on veterinary advice and no person can vaccinate until this happens.

"However, it is important that farmers and livestock owners contact their vets now.

"I would also urge farmers and livestock owners to monitor their stock carefully.

"If you suspect one of your animals has bluetongue, it is vital to report it quickly to your local Animal Health Office.

"I know many farmers will have already done this, but I want to urge farmers to register their interest in the vaccine with their vets. The vaccine will only be authorised for sale via veterinary practices."