26/09/07
NFU Scotland is emphasising the need to control Bluetongue to
prevent some of the devastating consequences of the disease.
Nigel Millar, NFU Scotland Vice-President
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The disease, if it were to take hold, has the potential to devastate
GB sheep flocks. European data now suggests that 40 per cent mortality
in sheep is possible and that some cattle can also be seriously
affected.
It is hoped that because midges can only act as effective transmitters
of the disease if the temperature is 15 degrees centigrade or above,
a significant spread of the disease in unlikely in 2007, particularly
in Scotland, as temperatures cool.
Nigel Millar, NFU Scotland Vice-President, said:
“So far, we have been dealt two positive cards as far as
Bluetongue is concerned. Fortunately, is has come quite late on
in the year when temperatures are likely to be low enough to prevent
it being widely spread. Secondly, the presence of Foot and Mouth
restrictions may well have helped to prevent the spread of the
disease.
“However, I also have concerns. Defra have so far indicated
a rather slow and timid response to the disease. In France, they
have adopted a tough cull approach in the initial phase of the
disease which, unlike in their neighbouring countries, has controlled
its spread.
“Our best chance of control is in these first stages of
the disease and we need to see fast action in terms of effective
movement controls. I also hope that with some cold temperatures
and a lot of luck, Scotland can escape the disease during 2007.
“Without control success south of the border, our only hope
could be the vaccine which isn’t going to be available until
at least June 2008.”
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Cattle Industry urged to be vigilant in keeping Bluetongue out
Bluetongue virus in the Netherlands identified as serotype 8 by IAH
Bluetongue prevention measures stepped
up |