Trading Standards Press Release

09 September 2008

Farmers advised to prepare to vaccinate against Bluetongue Disease

Bluetongue disease continues to spread throughout mainland Europe. The disease affects sheep,goats, cattle, deer and camelids, it doesn’t affect humans, horses or pigs, and is caused by a virus spread by certain types of biting midges. Countries affected by Bluetongue Disease are witnessing increased mortality rates in animals and production losses which cause severe economic hardship for farmers. . 

The Welsh Assembly Government has taken the view that a mass vaccination programme of  livestock is the best way of preventing the spread of the disease into Wales.  The current Bluetongue Protection Zone will be extended to cover the whole of Wales at a date to be announced after 31 August 2008.  The Welsh Assembly Government is advising that farmers should get ready to vaccinate by contacting their private vet to order their vaccine doses.  They will then be ready to vaccinate when batches of the vaccine are made available and the protection zone is declared.  By remaining vigilant, farmers can ensure that this disease does not take hold in Wales and cause the economic hardship experienced in mainland Europe.

For more information go to www.wales.gov.uk/bluetongue