Welsh farmers reminded to stay vigilant after French Bluetongue reports

Hybu Cig Cymru-Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) is reminding Welsh farmers to remain vigilant of flock welfare in the coming months after cases of Bluetongue have been reported in France.

The French Government has created a bluetongue virus serotype 8 (BTV8) restriction zone and made it compulsory for any stock exiting to comply with pre-movement vaccination stipulations to restrict the disease.

“HCC is encouraging producers to stay alert and help keep the UK clear of the virus,” said James Ruggeri, HCC’s Industry Development Executive.

“We should treat any opinion that this is a ‘low impact’ disease with extreme caution, as while there may be some residual immunity in France, we do not believe that is the case here.

“It is important that producers in potentially vulnerable areas are aware of the risk of bluetongue and take measures to protect their stock.”