Fears over the bluetongue outbreak are being compared to the 2001 foot-and-mouth crisis, according to a Shropshire farmer. Graham Price, who runs a beef and sheep farm near Ludlow, expressed relief at having vaccinated his flock.
Since July, 650 cases of bluetongue have been confirmed across the UK, predominantly in England with a notable increase in the south-west. An additional 2,460 cases are currently under investigation. Seven confirmed cases have been reported on farms in Shropshire.
Bluetongue, spread by midges, can be fatal for livestock suchants as sheep, cattle, deer, goats, llamas, and alpacas, but does not affect humans. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) stated it is monitoring the situation closely and that vaccination is the most effective tool for prevention.
Zoe Lloyd, an animal health and welfare scientist at the Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board (AHDB), highlighted the significant impact bluetongue can have on farmers' mental health and livestock welfare. Farmers are encouraged to discuss vaccination with their vets as soon as possible.