Vigilant farmers' victory over deadly bluetongue livestock disease

EAST Yorkshire farmers have been praised for their efforts to combat a deadly livestock virus.

Britain is on the verge of being declared free of bluetongue disease by the European Union (EU).

It is good news for East Yorkshire's livestock farmers, who have been diligent in vaccinating their animals against the virus.

But farmers have been warned not to be complacent and keep up their guard by continuing to give their cattle and sheep the jabs.

The virus arrived in the UK in September 2007, with 140 cases in cattle herds.

However, there have been no outbreaks since 2008 and Britain's bluetongue-free status is expected to be confirmed by the EU Council next month.

Beef farmer John Gatenby, of the York East National Farmers' Union, said: "This is a major step forward and just the news we all wanted to hear.

"The majority of East Yorkshire farmers joined the vaccination programme and that has been a huge help in the country getting bluetongue- free status.

"But we can never forget the severe economic hardship the disease caused the farming community in 2007.

"There is no room for complacency and we must keep up with the vaccinations, which, at 50p a jab is a cheap form of insurance against bluetongue."

The disease, which affects cattle, sheep, goats and deer, is passed from animal to animal by biting midges, which are most active in warm weather.

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