Bluetongue cases rise - as farmers call for action against potentially fatal impacts of midge bites
MP Rachel Gilmour has written to the minister for Biosecurity, Borders and Animals
Farmers say they're worried about the growing number of bluetongue cases - after 11 were reported across Devon and Somerset just last week.
It's transmitted by midges and can be fatal to sheep and cattle
Phil Stocker, from the National Sheep Association, said: "We're seeing real pockets now - in North Devon for example we're seeing a real pocket with the numbers of neighbours reporting and so it's clearly circulating in those areas.
"We're just getting to the point now where that midge activity is going to peak. The midges will bite those sheep and then transmit to other sheep or cattle and what we need to do now it try to get a wider uptake of the vaccine."
It comes as Minehead and Tiverton MP Rachel Gilmour's written to the Government calling for improvements to the system for reporting incidents
The MP also highlighted a 'lack of cross-referencing between cases, even when several outbreaks occur on the same farm'. She warned that this 'creates unnecessary duplication and risks undermining efforts to monitor and manage the disease'
"The spread of bluetongue disease is undoubtedly a concern for many across my constituency, which is why I am calling on the Minister to act," she said.
"Supporting our farmers and farms is more important than ever, and if this Government is serious about providing that support, actioning urgent assistance for this outbreak is where it must start.
"I hope the Department provides the clarity and practical support our farmers need to manage this outbreak, and I look forward to a swift response."
She added: "The impact on Exmoor's livestock producers is likely to be severe. Farmers are already dealing with difficult weather conditions and mounting economic pressure, and there are growing concerns about what bluetongue could mean for livestock trade, both within the UK and with European partners, as warmer weather continues to help the disease spread."
In her letter, Rachel warned that there is a growing sense that no effective solutions or practical measures are being put forward to address the problem. She has asked the Minister for Biosecurity, Borders and Animals sets out what the Department is doing to improve reporting, support affected farmers, and limit the spread and impact of the disease.