Farmers across the South East must vaccinate their animals against the potentially fatal bluetongue “as soon as possible”, the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has said.<\/p>\n
According to government figures published on Thursday,, external<\/a> there have now been 517 cases of the virus in the UK so far this year, including 496 in England.<\/p>\n The BBC has reported on cases found in Scotland<\/a> and the South West,<\/a> and the NFU has made clear its concerns for the South East.<\/p>\n Livestock board chair for the East of England Hugh Broom said: “If your animals are not vaccinated already, please speak to your vet about getting on the list…it could just take a westerly wind to send the disease our way.”<\/p>\n Bluetongue virus (BTV) is an insect-borne viral disease affecting sheep and cattle among other animals. <\/p>\n It is spread by biting midges and does not affect humans or human food safety.<\/p>\n According to the NFU, it is often fatal in sheep and can cause abortions in cows, temporary infertility in bulls and deformities in newborn calves.<\/p>\n Broom, who farms near Dorking, Surrey, and also represents livestock farmers in Kent and Sussex, said the vaccination was “safe, affordable and quick”.<\/p>\n The farmer said he understood that many things, including the lack of rainfall and rising fertiliser prices, were out of farmers’ control at the moment.<\/p>\n “Vaccinating your animals is completely in your control,” he added.<\/p>\n The NFU said that, in order to reduce the risk of bluetongue, farmers were moving high-risk or non-vaccinated stock away from wet, low-lying, or sheltered areas. <\/p>\n They are also keeping vulnerable animals housed during dawn and dusk when midge activity peaks.<\/p>\n Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, external<\/a>, on X, external<\/a>, and on Instagram, external<\/a> and listen to BBC Radio Surrey on Sounds<\/a>. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk, external<\/a> or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.<\/p>\n