Call for bluetongue vaccine

Shropshire's farming community today called for the swift vaccination of livestock against bluetongue disease following a scare in the north of the county.

Inconclusive tests on a farm near Ellesmere yesterday spread panic across an industry which is already reeling from a year of misery.

But as farmers breathed a sigh of relief following Defra's announcement that the tests in Shropshire and Cheshire were negative "vaccination" was the word on most people's lips.

Whitchurch farmer Simon Latter said there would never be a better time to roll out widespread vaccinations. "I think the events of the last couple of days have made people aware of just what damage bluetongue can cause," he said.

"While of course we have to be led by good practice in the vaccination procedure, it is clear to all that the sooner it is available the sooner we are going to stem the spread of this disease.

"Bluetongue disease results in a massive loss of productivity - and often death - so when you compare it to the possible cost and implementation of the vaccine, as well as any possible impact on export markets, you still have to bite the bullet and go ahead."

David Tudor, chairman of the West Mid Show, said: "Yesterday there were suggestions that any new restrictions put in place would cause havoc for some of the summer shows. The only way around this is to sort out vaccination now."

North Shropshire MP Owen Paterson echoed their thoughts.

"This has been a nasty scare for everyone but it underlines the fact that we have to get moving on vaccination now," he said.