Call for bluetongue emergency fund to help farmers
BBCEmergency funding is needed to help farmers weather the cost of a "horrific bluetongue outbreak", according to an MP.
Ben Maguire, Liberal Democrat MP for North Cornwall, said the virus was "quite simply decimating their businesses" and he wanted the government to step in and help farmers, who he said had faced several other issues including the recent drought affecting crops.
According to the latest government statistics issued on Wednesday, there were 98 farms in Devon and 37 in Cornwall with bluetongue cases reported.
A Defra spokesperson said the government recognised it was an "incredibly difficult time for animal keepers" and it was monitoring the situation closely.
Bluetongue, which is spread by midges, can make animals including sheep and cattle lethargic and lame along with causing birth defects or spontaneous abortions.
It can also be fatal to animals but does not affect human or food safety.
'Losing their livestock'
Maguire said he felt the government had not offered enough support to farmers.
"I'm hearing from local farmers they can't get hold of the vaccines because, quite logically, there's a shortage because of all the demand for the vaccine," he said.
"They're not getting help with the cost even with disposing of carcasses.
"Imagine that, imagine the mental health toll on farmers who are losing their livestock."
Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, who is cabinet member for rural affairs on Devon County Council and also a farmer, urged the government "to take immediate and decisive action to support farmers affected by the escalating outbreak".
Cottle-Hunkin wrote to Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Secretary Angela Eagle to say livestock farmers in the South West were "facing a crisis with devastating consequences for their animals, businesses and families".
Cottle-Hunkin, who has had bluetongue on her North Devon farm, also called for faster testing.
The UK's chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss said the government was working to increase capacity at the laboratory in Pirbright in Surrey and for other laboratories to start testing.
She told BBC Radio 4's Farming Today details on some tests had been incomplete, causing delays.
Middlemiss expected the virus to peak in September and urged farmers to vaccinate their livestock.
A Defra spokesperson said: "Farmers should continue to be vigilant and monitor their animals frequently, reporting any suspicions of disease to the Animal and Plant Health Agency."
They added Defra was working "to ensure that keepers are kept up to date with developments and that issues and concerns are addressed promptly".
