Livestock farmers are being urged to talk to their vets as the industry braces itself for a return of Bluetongue disease.
 
The midge-borne disease has been circulating in France since last summer and Defra has confirmed there is an 80 per cent risk of it reaching the UK by September this year.
 
On Wednesday, the NFU asked livestock farmers to prepare for a possible return of the disease. Livestock board chair Charles Sercombe said, “There is quite strong evidence that Bluetongue could move to southern parts of the UK by late summer, not dissimilar to the way it moved into East Anglia back in 2007.
 
“As livestock farmers we should be talking to our vets now about the disease and considering our business options including vaccination which would be a voluntary, protective measure.
 
“It’s also imperative that we all remain vigilant and look out for any signs of Bluetongue and report any suspicions to our vets immediately. The health and welfare of the herd or flock should remain a top priority.”
 
There is currently no vaccine available for UK farmers. The NFU chair said the union is working with Defra and other industry bodies to secure vaccine stocks.