Intervet vaccine: Register interest now

Welsh farmers are being urged to register for the Bluetongue vaccine before the summer heat brings back midges, blamed for the spread of the disease.

Several farmers unions have warned that the illness could be even more destructive to their members’ livelihoods than previous foot and mouth outbreaks.

Chief veterinary officer for Wales Dr Christianne Glossop explained that any decision to vaccinate livestock in Wales will be made by the country’s ministers.

However, she urged farmers to contact their vets before such a decision needs to be made.

“I want to urge farmers to register their interest in the vaccine with their vets. The vaccine will only be authorised for sale via veterinary practices,” Dr Glossop explained.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs announced in November that it has placed an order for 22.5 million doses of the Bluetongue vaccine with Intervet.

It asserted that Intervet offered farmers the most effective and best value option.