Bluetongue Disease
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the financial impact of the recent outbreak of bluetongue virus on livestock farmers; what financial support is available to affected farmers; whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of (a) providing assistance towards the cost of bluetongue vaccination programmes and (b) making compensation or other financial support available to farmers for (i) livestock losses, (ii) reduced productivity and (iii) other costs arising from the disease.
Answered by Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
This Government recognises that the current bluetongue outbreak is placing significant pressures on livestock keepers. Bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) is now endemic in England, and we do not routinely cull animals affected by BTV-3, but where that occurs compensation is payable. No other bluetongue compensation or financial support is currently in place.
Vaccination remains the most effective method of preventing the impacts of disease in susceptible animals and as with other endemic diseases where there are safe and effective vaccines available, this is a commercial decision for livestock keepers in consultation with their veterinarian. Defra continues to work closely with industry, veterinary professionals and manufacturers to support vaccine availability. We also support Industry organisations, including the Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board and Ruminant Health & Welfare, who are leading the Battle Bluetongue campaign to promote vaccination and provide practical advice to livestock keepers on assessing risk and protecting their businesses from the impacts of disease. The Battle Bluetongue webpages include vaccine cost calculators and a vaccine decision making tool. The campaign reflects the important role of individual livestock keepers and the wider industry in managing bluetongue risk and building resilience to disease. Defra keeps the impacts of bluetongue under review and continues to work with industry and veterinary partners to support effective disease control measures.
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