Protection zone will be a question of time
Last updated 17:37, Thursday, 21 August 2008
THE Government this week confirmed that the bluetongue protection zone will be extended into Tynedale.
However, Defra warned that the Northumberland and Cumbria zone would not come into force before September 1, unless there was the threat of an imminent outbreak in the counties.
The intention is to create the zone at the same time in two Northern counties in one single extension when sufficient vaccine is available. This will complete the vaccination roll-out by bringing the whole of England into the protection zone.
Last week, Durham, Teesside and Tyne and Wear were added to the zone, and the extension to Northumberland and Cumbria was widely forecast.
However, there are concerns that, without a definite date for the creation of the zone, instablity could be created in the Tynedale livestock market.
Livestock keepers will be able to obtain the vaccine from the time they become part of the zone. However, they are encouraged to order vaccine in advance through their vet. The vaccine will be available in 20ml, 50ml and 100ml bottles.
Animals can only be moved out of the protection zone if they are vaccinated, naturally immune or moving for slaughter, subject to meeting certain conditions.
The time of year and weather conditions mean there is an increasing risk of re-emergence of disease in UK. Defra officials this week said the absence of new cases in England so far this summer was no cause for complacency.
Bluetongue has recently been confirmed as circulating in the Netherlands and large areas of France. The threat to unvaccinated, susceptible livestock remains present and real, warned chief veterinary officer Nigel Gibbens.
He said: “As the conditions for midge activity become more favourable over the summer, the likelihood of disease re-emergence increases.
“We are urging the industry to remain vigilant, and encouraging keepers to order vaccine as soon as possible. Vaccination is the only way to protect your animals during this high risk period.”
It is unclear what exact impact the creation of the extended zone will have on the livestock market.
Tom Oates, a partner at chartered surveyors George F White, said: “Although the news is intended to be positive, it only gives a short respite.
“There was a fear that the extension would happen in the next few days, but that is now not the case. Coming any time after September 1 means that immediate sales can take place, with free movement until that time.
“We can only hope that the main sheep sales and suckled calf sales which take place in September and October are spared, allowing farmers to receive this year’s income and minimise the knock-on effect into next year,” he said.
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