CONTINUING VACCINATIONS AGAINST BLUETONGUE VITAL SAYS EURO-MP

3.42.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 13th Aug 2008

Liz Lynne MEP, the Liberal Democrat Agriculture Spokesperson for England and Wales in the European Parliament, today urged farmers to continue the vaccination of cattle against Bluetongue in order to maintain the successful attempts to keep the disease from British shores.

Her call comes just as animal health company Merial announced the delivery of the first 2.1 million doses of the Bluetongue Stereotype- 8 vaccine.

While there have been no new cases of Bluetongue in Britain this year, the disease has been reeking havoc in France with almost 900 cases reported in recent weeks, and experts fear a renewed risk to British livestock as the summer progresses.

Liz said that while the vaccination programme has so far held back the disease, efforts must be continued to ensure that the vaccination rate doesn't drop:

"The fight against Bluetongue is not yet won, it is absolutely crucial that vaccination continues and that we do not become complacent.

"It is very encouraging that we have had no reported cases so far this year, but we only need to look at the situation across the channel to be reminded of how devastating the disease can be."

Speaking on the work of the JAB campaign in organising the vaccination programme Liz said:

"Credit must be given to the JAB campaign for their response to the disease, but there is of course work still to be done. I very much hope that farmers continue to heed JAB's advice and make sure their livestock is vaccinated as soon a possible.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Further information can be found via the NFU at www.nfuonline.com