Bluetongue: We must remain vigilant

10:15am Thursday 28th August 2008

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THE recent re-emergence of Bluetongue in the Netherlands and large areas of France is a timely reminder to the farming industry of the need to vaccinate and remain vigilant for signs of disease.

These developments, alongside the increased midge activity over the summer and risk of disease still present in the UK from last year, mean the threat from re-emerging disease remains significant.

We’re coming to exactly the time of year when we would expect to see a recurrence of disease and so vaccination as a preventive tool is more important than ever. Unvaccinated livestock are unprotected livestock.

I am urging all farmers in the area to remain vigilant and vaccinate as soon as possible. The message is clear: don’t hesitate, vaccinate.

MICHAEL SHARP, Animal Health Division, Veterinary Manager.