MP BACKS CHIEF VET OFFICER IN CALL FOR BLUE TONGUE VACCINATION

11.58.51am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 18th Sep 2008

The Liberal Democrats Farming & Food Spokesman and MP for Brecon & Radnorshire, Roger Williams, has strongly backed calls by the Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales that all beef and sheep farmers should vaccinate their stock against Bluetongue disease without further delay, following the discovery of two cases in North Wales.

Commenting on the outbreak, Mr. Williams said:

" I have already vaccinated my stock on my own farm near Brecon and I urge all my colleagues in the farming community to follow suit. The only way of stopping this terrible disease becoming established in the UK is to ensure that all sheep and cattle are vaccinated as soon as possible."

" I realise that the cost to farmers of carrying out this vaccination is significant, but the farming unions and all veterinary practitioners are strongly supporting the vaccination programme. So do I and I hope that the news of an outbreak in North Wales will remind all livestock farmers how important it is to vaccinate now."

Mr. Williams added:

" I also urge all farmers thinking of importing livestock from abroad to re-consider, especially if the stock are coming from an area of Europe where bluetongue disease is endemic. Preferably, no livestock at all should be imported from those areas, but at the very least the animals should be tested and certified clear of the disease and vaccinated. To import animals without those safeguards would be reckless."