Bluetongue fears in Shropshire ‘on par with foot and mouth’

Zoe Lloyd is an animal health and welfare scientist at the Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board (AHDB), an independent public body paid for by farmers.

“Bluetongue can have a devastating impact on mental health,” Lloyd said, noting that “farmers are facing some really difficult decisions.”

Farmers have also been dealing with “a range of other challenges,” including drought, she continued, adding that “the bluetongue outbreak definitely adds another layer of pressure.”

As well as the toll on farmers themselves, it also “can have really devastating impacts on livestock health and welfare,” Lloyd said.

“We cannot stress enough the seriousness of the situation,” she stated, adding that farmers should speak to their vets “as soon as possible” about vaccination.

A spokesperson for Defra said “animal keepers and vets who are on the frontline of this disease” were facing “an incredibly difficult time.”

“We are monitoring the situation closely,” they continued, adding that “vaccination is the best tool available to prevent bluetongue”.

“We are working with vaccine manufacturers to increase vaccine supplies so that farmers who have not already done so can vaccinate their livestock.”