The National Sheep Association (NSA) has welcomed the changes announced today by Welsh Government allowing movement of vaccinated animals during the autumn breeding season.

Helen Roberts, NSA Cymru/Wales Development Officer, says: “Whilst we welcome this announcement and the possibility of direct movements, we will continue to work with Welsh Government to ensure farmers and the industry generally is given sufficient notice about the dates for the operation of the proposed Green Markets, allowing sheep from England to be sold in Wales. We need to ensure the application process for the markets is smooth and licenses for auctions are given as soon as possible as many livestock auctions and breed societies will have closing dates already set in August for September sales and as we all know, sale dates cannot be changed at the last minute.”

NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker echoed Helen’s views. “We welcome these changes and the acknowledgement from Welsh Government that a balance needs to be struck between the threat that bluetongue brings, but also the need for cross-border trade for farmers and markets. We urge all farmers to seriously consider vaccinating their sheep so they are able to take advantages of these rule changes, especially as Welsh Government is also considering direct farm-to-farm moves for vaccinated stock. Vaccination remains the best method of protecting stock and reducing the potentially devastating consequences of bluetongue.”