Stuart Anderson MP Demands Action on Bluetongue Vaccine Shortages
In a letter to Ministers, Stuart Anderson MP has demanded urgent action after livestock farmers in South Shropshire reported difficulties accessing Bluetongue vaccines.
Stuart Anderson MP said:
"South Shropshire is proudly home to many livestock farmers who work tirelessly to put high-quality food on our tables while maintaining the highest standards of animal health and welfare. They deserve the confidence that the tools they need to protect their herds and flocks are available when they need them. Having spoken with many farmers across the constituency in recent weeks, I know there is real and growing concern about the current shortage of Bluetongue vaccinations. I have raised this with Government Ministers and urged them to address the shortage as a matter of urgency so that local farmers can access the vaccines they need. Right now, our farmers need certainty, not more uncertainty. I will keep pressing Ministers for answers and for action until this is sorted."
Recent hot weather has created ideal conditions for virus-carrying midges, leading to a rapid surge in Bluetongue (BTV-3) cases across the UK. The virus is transmitted by biting midges and affects all ruminants including sheep, cattle, goats, and deer, as well as camelids such as llama and alpaca. The National Sheep Association has reported that more than 590 cases were confirmed last week, up from just 115 the week before. Farmers have been urged to be vigilant for clinical signs and report any suspicions of the disease in their livestock to Defra's Rural Services Helpline, which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A duty vet will assess whether the virus can be ruled out or if an investigation is required.
Vaccination is the main tool used to protect livestock from Bluetongue. The #BattleBluetongue campaign encourages farmers to discuss their risk to BTV-3 with their vet and develop farm-specific battle plans with the aim to help increase the level of vaccination for high-risk stock to provide some level of defence. However, many farmers in South Shropshire have said that they are struggling to get hold of the vaccine at a critical time. They have added that uncertainty around supply is causing significant anxiety for those who are working to protect animal health and prevent disease spread.
Stuart has said that an outbreak would have serious consequences for animal welfare, farm incomes, and the rural economy. Last year, the National Audit Office (NAO) reported that animal disease outbreaks are a significant threat and that key public bodies are insufficiently prepared for a major animal disease outbreak. Stuart has written to Government Ministers, asking for urgent action to address the shortage and secure future vaccine supplies. It is part of his plan to champion farmers in South Shropshire, which includes raising their voice in Parliament on key issues and securing the funding and support they need to thrive.
