Torridge councillors are asking the government to do more to help farmers affected by the ongoing bluetongue crisis. They have supported a motion calling on Defra to provide urgent financial and practical support, increase testing capacity, speed up the purchase and availability of additional vaccines, and review compensation.
Cllr Nigel Kenneally (Lib Dem, Milton and Tamarside) told a full council meeting on Monday night: “Our farmers are an essential part of Torridge. At a time when they need our support, I think we as a country should stand with them.”
The motion notes that the continuing bluetongue virus outbreak is placing an emotional burden on Torridge farmers, threatening sheep and cattle, breeding programmes, farm incomes and the rural economy. It also says farmers face livestock losses, increased veterinary and biosecurity costs and uncertainty beyond their control.
It urges Defra to work with farming organisations to ensure disease-control measures are proportionate and supported.
Members also supported providing a one-off £10,000 grant to the Farming Community Network (FCN), to be used to support farmers and farming families in the Torridge District Council area. The decision on this lies with the council's community and resources committee when they meet next month.
Latest figures show that Devon is still the worst affected area of the country, with more than half of the total cases of bluetongue in England. 762 were recorded between July 10 and September 22. Cornwall is the second worst with 212 cases.
Bluetongue is a viral disease that affects cattle, sheep, goats, alpacas, llamas and other ruminants. Symptoms can vary from animal to animal and can include fever, lameness, depression, swelling of the face, neck or mouth, ulcers, drooling, snotty or bloody noses, partial blindness, unexplained reproductive problems and sudden death.
Torridge councillor and Devon County Council cabinet member for rural affairs Cllr Cheryl Cottle Hunkin (Torrington Rural) also wrote to the government for urgent action last month. Her own farm was affected by bluetongue and she warned that the response to the outbreak was not keeping pace with the scale of the problem.
“Devon’s farmers are facing a very difficult and worrying situation," she said. “We need much faster testing, better communication and reliable access to vaccines to help protect livestock and support farming businesses.”
Bluetongue is a notifiable animal disease, which means livestock keepers must report suspected cases to DEFRA immediately. Failure to do so is an offence. In England, suspected cases should be reported to the DEFRA Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301.
Council Demands Emergency Help as Devon Named Worst-Hit for Bluetongue