Last updated 13:34, Thursday, 14 August 2008

THE vaccination programme against bluetongue disease has reached the borders of Tynedale.

Brisk trade: The extension of the protection zone meant lambs were in short supply at Hexham Mart.

Defra confirmed this week that Durham, Teesside and Tyne and Wear had been added to the bluetongue protection zone.

The announcement means a vaccination programme can go ahead in these areas.

The NFU in the North-East said the news would be welcomed by farmer across the region, following the Government’s announcement a week earlier that farmers in Craven and Richmondshire, in North Yorkshire, were included in the protection zone.

According to the NFU’s regional livestock adviser, Fiona Campbell, this was just the news that farmers had been waiting for. She said it meant farmers could at long last begin the process of protecting their cattle, sheep and goats against a potentially fatal disease.

With autumn sales approaching fast it also means that farmers joining the protection zone will be able to trade freely within the zone – which now covers most of England.

“Farmers are keen to get their animals protected, given that it was precisely at this time last year that the first case of bluetongue occurred in East Anglia following the arrival of midges from the Continent,” added Mrs Campbell.

“Reports from France also show a dramatic increase in the number of new cases recently, further highlighting the need for our farmers to vaccinate.”

By EU law, vaccination is only permitted in a protection zone – the area where greatest movement restrictions apply. That’s why there has been a gradual extension of the zone as vaccine has been made available. The next extension of the zone is likely to include Northumberland.

For farmers who now find themselves in the protection zone, their ability to move animals will be affected, as movement out of the zone will not be allowed except direct to slaughter. This will be relatively short-lived, however, as increased freedom of movement under the terms of a general licence will kick in just 60 days after animals are successfully vaccinated.

Earlier movements are allowed but are subject to strict conditions that include a pre-movement test.

Tynedale sheep farmers are already enjoying some short-term benefits from the protection zone to the south. With fewer lambs on sale at Hexham Mart on Tuesday, prices reflected the short supply.

“To be honest we were surprised that so much of the North-East was brought into the protection zone so quickly,” said Mrs Campbell.

“We had anticipated a slight delay in the zone extension as we awaited new batches of vaccine to be made available. It’s great news that a review of vaccine already in the supply chain has resulted in the decision to enlarge the zone. It’s now crucial that all farmers get in touch with their vets, if they have not already done so, to register their vaccine requirements. This will ensure that vets can order in the exact number of doses neded and get them out onto farm quickly.”