Cymru's Strong Message to Importers
WALES, UK - Strong opposition was voiced today by members of NFU Cymru’s Welsh Council to the practice of importing Bluetongue susceptible animals from areas where the virus is currently circulating and has proposed an immediate voluntary ban on all imports of such animals.
23 September 2008
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Speaking during the meeting held at the NFU Cymru headquarters in Builth Wells, Dai Davies, President of NFU Cymru said, “I just cannot understand the rationale of those who are importing stock into Wales at the moment from Bluetongue infected areas when they know the vaccine would not have had time to work yet. This is members of our industry throwing caution to the wind.”
Dai Davies continued, “I cannot say enough times how I strongly urge all livestock keepers across Wales to contact their local vet to obtain vaccine. I would also urge livestock keepers to vaccinate as soon as possible.
“Whilst I appreciate the purchase of vaccine will be an added and unwanted cost to your business I regard it as a small price to pay for the protection and insurance against Bluetongue that it will provide us with as individual farmers. The alternative is unthinkable. I remain firmly of the view that we cannot afford not to vaccinate. There is no Government compensation for any losses sustained due to Bluetongue and our fate is largely in our own hands as far as this disease is concerned.
