Councillor calls for urgent action over Bluetongue outbreak

A DEVON councillor has called for urgent Government action to support farmers affected by the growing Bluetongue outbreak across the South West.

Cllr Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, Devon County Council’s cabinet member for Rural Affairs, has written to ministers and South West MPs warning that the response to the disease is not keeping pace with the challenges facing farming businesses.

Cllr Cottle-Hunkin, who is also a sheep farmer near Great Torrington, says farmers need faster and simpler testing, clearer information about the number and location of affected farms, improved communication about local cases and reliable supplies of vaccines.

Cllr Cottle-Hunkin has also called for financial support for farmers affected by the outbreak, alongside a long-term Government strategy for managing livestock diseases.

‘Devon’s farmers are facing a very difficult and worrying situation’, she said.

‘We need much faster testing, better communication and reliable access to vaccines to help protect livestock and support farming businesses.

‘That’s why I’ve written to Government to press for urgent action’.

The council is reminding livestock keepers across Devon to remain vigilant after cases of Bluetongue were identified in ruminant animals across the county.

The viral disease affects cattle, sheep, goats, alpacas, llamas and other ruminants. Symptoms can vary but may include fever, lameness, depression, swelling around the face, neck or mouth, ulcers, drooling, nasal discharge, partial blindness, reproductive problems and sudden death.

Devon County Council says it is sharing the latest guidance from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) with its tenant farmers.

The Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service is also helping to raise awareness of Government advice among the wider farming community.

A council spokesperson stressed that Bluetongue is a notifiable animal disease, meaning suspected cases must be reported to DEFRA immediately.

‘Early reporting is important because confirmation requires testing’, the spokesperson said.

Livestock keepers are also being encouraged to contact their local vet for advice about testing, referrals and vaccination options.

In England, suspected cases should be reported to the DEFRA Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301.

Farmers who are struggling with the pressures of the outbreak can also contact The Farming Community Network on 03000 111 999 for confidential support.