Union welcomes news of extra vaccine tender

NFU Cymru has welcomed today's announcement by Rural Affairs Minister, Elin Jones, that the Welsh Assembly Government is to tender for a further supply of Bluetongue vaccine for Wales.

Dai Davies, NFU Cymru President said, "NFU Cymru has been pressing the Minister for some time to tender for a further supply of vaccine which would add to the initial 2.5m doses which had been secured for Wales. The requisition of a further 5m doses increases the total available to Wales to 7.5million and will put us in good stead for rolling out the vaccination strategy in Wales once we are permitted to use it."

Mr Davies went on to say that it was vital Wales gained Protection Zone status as swiftly as possible so that farmers in Wales could use the vaccine to protect their stock against Bluetongue which has the potential, as it has on the continent, to devastate sheep and cattle enterprises.

"I urge those farmers who have not yet registered to reserve Bluetongue vaccine with their local veterinary practice to do so immediately so as to ensure they are not left at the back of the queue," said Mr Davies who concluded, "Farmers should not procrastinate but they should be prepared to vaccinate as this is the only way of protecting their businesses from the horrific consequences of this disease."