The National Sheep Association (NSA) is reminding the farming community of the importance of looking out for fellow farming friends and family this January as the start of the year has presented several challenges to the industry.

Concerns from bluetongue (BTV) and Schmallenberg viruses (SBV), and weather challenges including flooding and most recently snow in areas of the UK, will have caused for some a difficult few weeks.

NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker comments: “NSA recognises that in particular ongoing concerns regarding two impactful and devastating diseases are cause for worry amongst sheep farmers in several parts of the country.

 “Bluetongue was grabbing most of the headlines at end of 2023, being seen as a big risk for the future but seemingly out of nowhere came SBV affecting an increasing number of sheep farms across many English regions. NSA has heard from technicians involved in taking semen and embryos for export, scanners, early lambers, and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), that SBV cases are quite serious with scanners reporting numbers of dead lambs and early lambers saying they are losing between 10 - 25% of lambs in some cases.”

At a time when some farmers already feel under pressure, NSA is urging the farming community to offer support where possible to those currently dealing with distressing cases of SBV or bluetongue amongst their flocks.

NSA Communications Manager Katie James says: “There has been few times in recent years where the sector has faced such a worrying time concerning animal disease and so it is especially important to check in with those close to you who may be potentially affected. The farming community is also in a fortunate position to be supported so well by a number of fantastic charities who can offer specialised help with both personal issues and those on farm if needed. NSA would encourage anyone struggling at this time to reach out to one of these and not to suffer alone.”

For anyone currently affected by BTV or SBV or struggling with personal challenges of their own, please reach out for help and support – be it someone you already know or professional help via Farming Help. Call 03000 111999, available 7am-11pm every day or visit www.farmwell.org.uk/get-support.

Positive BTV strain 3 cases continue to be found in and around the control zones in Kent and Norfolk and the total number of positive cases this week now stands at 52 positive animals, four of which are sheep and 48 of which are cattle.

On Monday evening, NSA joined an important industry meeting in Norfolk, giving Defra and APHA a chance to talk to farmers and listen to questions and concerns regarding the current sitituation. Dan Phipps, recently retired NSA Chair co-chaired the meeting attracting more than 400 farmers demonstrating the impact of BTV-3 in the area.

Further meetings are now planned with a host of organisations, including NSA, working in partnership to try to drive efficiency and consistency. Mr Stocker adds: “This is not a time for various organisations to be doing their own thing and in my mind it makes sense to work together for the benefit of the entire livestock industry.” 

NSA is aware that a number of sheep farmers within the Temporary Control Zones (TCZ) may currently be dealing with the issue of stock caught up, unable to return home for lambing or further finishing. The Association therefore urges anyone in this position to contact its Head Office who will try and help providing contacts who can help with housing, lambing, or feeding sheep that may be stranded. Mr Stocker concludes: “We cannot promise anything but we are very prepared to use our networks and contacts to help where we can so please do get in touch with the NSA and we will try and help”