NBA bluetongue warning
Meriel's first delivery of bluetongue vaccine is now being distributed in the Protection Zone (PZ) and farming leaders are urging livestock owners to vaccinate animals as quickly as possible.
The National Beef Association (NBA) has pointed out that, within the PZ, animals may move freely, so an infected animal could be moved from Kent to Yorkshire.
"The theory that the virus is a long way away could be a very expensive mistake," said an NBA spokesperson.
"Vaccinate before the virus is found to have been circulating. Once we see it circulating, it will be well in front of us and while vaccination will help, it will be very much better done before circulation is apparent."
Although the virus would spread slowly in areas such as East Anglia, where animals are spread out, other areas such as Northern England are more densely populated by livestock and the virus could spread quickly and easily.
France is now experiencing over 1,000 cases per week and there are similar figures in Southern Germany, Holland and Belgium. The NBA said: "It will be a miracle if England does not see it this month."
-
Eblex Ready Meal Competition now open for entries! -
Book your place today! -
Meat Buyers Guide - order today -
London butchers the focus for BBC radio -
Order your copy today -
Video: Tips to promote your livestock -
Butchers' Fair Summer register your FREE place today! -
Eblex conference 2011: watch the video -
Maximise carcase value with sous-vide cuts: watch video
Will the new FSA guidelines on E.coli damage butchers' businesses?
- 24 May, 2012
BMPA AGM and conference - 21 - 24 June, 2012
Royal Highland Show - 24 June, 2012, 9:30 - 16:00
Butchers' Fair - 24 - 25 June, 2012
Harrogate Speciality Food Show - 01 July, 2012
NFMFT AGM - 05 July, 2012
SuperMeat & Fish Awards
