LOCAL EURO MP CALLS FOR MORE HELP FOR FARMERS ON BLUETONGUE
October 3, 2007 3:00 PM
Liberal Democrat MEP Liz Lynne has called on the Government to give West Midlands farmers as much pre-emptive advice as possible about how to prevent the spread of the viral disease Bluetongue in cattle, but warns that the only long-term solution to may be the development of a vaccine.
Liz Lynne commented:
"This confirms that this year is turning into a horror story for British farmers. The last thing livestock farmers needed after the Foot and Mouth outbreak in August was the arrival of Bluetongue, which has killed thousands of cattle across Northern Europe.
"All farmers across the West Midlands should now be vigilant. Defra should not underestimate the threat that this disease poses and must ensure farmers are up to date with the necessary advice so they can minimise the risk of cattle and sheep being bitten.
"The only hope there is in the long term may be a vaccine, and when one is developed, I will do all I can to ensure that EU rules do not penalise our local farmers for using it.
"Any export bans caused by Bluetongue will pile the pressure onto small farmers already facing a serious cash crisis and export bans due to Foot and Mouth. The Government needs to provide a package of support for farmers affected as soon as possible."
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
Farmers are likely to suffer from export bans for at least two years which will have large financial consequences for the agricultural sector. Under international guidelines, no exports of susceptible animals will be allowed from the affected areas for 120 days after the last recorded case. The ban on exports to countries free of Bluetongue will stay in place for two years after the last case.
Control and protection zones for Bluetongue came into force around parts of southern and eastern England on Sunday in a bid to control the spread of the disease among farm animals. The protection zone stretches as far as the eastern edge of Warwickshire.
Pharmaceutical firm Merial Animal Health says it could develop a vaccine by the first half of next year. But it has been unable to begin production until measures to improve biosecurity at the government-run Pirbright facility near Guildford, Surrey are brought up to standard.
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