NFU Scotland urges Government to ensure bluetongue vaccination system is “robust”

In a letter to Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Rural Affairs Gillian Martin MSP and Minister for Agriculture, Marine and Islands Jim Fairlie MSP, NFU Scotland president Andrew Connon warned that farmers within the control zone were being asked to carry a “significant burden” in order to protect Scotland’s wider livestock industry.

NFU Scotland said it “fully recognises the seriousness of bluetongue” and the need for measures to control the spread of disease. However, it noted that restrictions had come at a “particularly difficult point” in the farming calendar, with the important autumn store and breeding sales approaching and “significant numbers” of cattle, calves and lambs due to move in the coming weeks.

Data published by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) on 25th August showed that Scotland has confirmed nine cases of bluetongue. In England, 587 cases were reported, while Wales has 34 reported cases. Northern Ireland stands at zero.

The Union has called for Scottish Government to:

• Fund the cost of testing animals required to move out of the TCZ.
• Secure, or underwrite the supply of, sufficient vaccine and work with veterinary practices to prioritise and coordinate supplies within the TCZ and an appropriate buffer zone.
• Help fund vaccination within the TCZ and an appropriate buffer zone, prioritising animals that need to move for welfare reasons.
• Ensure Scotland’s vaccination recording system is robust, traceable and compatible with the system operating in England.
• Provide a practical route forward for producers who need to move animals but have been unable to vaccinate before 10th September.

NFU Scotland president Andrew Connon commented: “Farmers in Dumfries and Galloway and Ayrshire understand why action is being taken and the importance of protecting Scotland’s livestock industry from bluetongue. But those caught within the Temporary Control Zone are now being asked to shoulder a significant burden on behalf of the wider industry. They cannot be expected to carry that alone.

“The timing is particularly difficult. We are approaching a critical period for store and breeding sales, when large numbers of cattle, calves, lambs and breeding sheep would normally be moving. Restrictions on those movements could have serious consequences for farm businesses and, if they continue for any length of time, animal welfare.

“Our immediate priority must be getting vaccination into the right places and establishing practical arrangements that allow essential livestock movements to take place safely. Government support with testing and vaccination costs is essential. Farmers also need clear, timely information. They are making decisions now about livestock movements, sales and animal welfare, so delays or uncertainty have very real consequences.”

“We need regular and prominent updates, consistent messaging on vaccination and straightforward practical guidance, including through the Farm Advisory Service.”

Andrew Connon, NFU Scotland

Connon continued: “NFU Scotland is working hard to keep members informed, but the definitive information on confirmed cases, restrictions and movement requirements must come quickly and clearly from Government. We need regular and prominent updates, consistent messaging on vaccination and straightforward practical guidance, including through the Farm Advisory Service.

“This outbreak is also another reminder of why Scotland needs a properly resourced and resilient animal health system. APHA must have the capacity to respond quickly when outbreaks occur, alongside longer-term investment in surveillance, diagnostics, veterinary capacity and disease control.

“We stand ready to work with Ministers, officials and veterinary authorities. What affected farmers need now is clear information, access to vaccination and practical financial support, and they need it quickly.”