Cumbrian MP Urges Prime Minister To Make Bluetongue Outbreak An Urgent Priority
A Cumbrian MP has called on the Government to make tackling the spread of bluetongue disease an urgent priority, warning of the serious consequences for livestock, farmers and animal welfare.
Tim Farron, the MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, raised the issue in the House of Commons during the Prime Minister's first appearance there since taking office. He urged Andy Burnham to act quickly as cases continue to be reported across Great Britain.
Bluetongue has already been confirmed on farms in several parts of Cumbria, including areas around Carlisle, Wigton, Appleby and Millom. The spread of the disease has raised concerns among farmers and veterinary professionals across the county.
County vets have warned that reported cases are expected to continue increasing because of a delay of around three weeks between suspected infections and confirmation. That delay means the number of confirmed cases can continue to rise as testing catches up with the spread of the disease.
The disease is mainly spread by biting midges and does not affect humans. However, it can have serious and potentially fatal consequences for livestock, with infected animals potentially developing symptoms including fever, facial swelling and lameness.
Bluetongue can also have wider consequences for cattle and sheep farming. The disease can cause abortions in cows, temporary infertility in bulls and deformities in calves that are born following infection.
Restrictions relating to bluetongue are currently in place across England as authorities seek to control its spread. A vaccine is available to protect livestock, but supplies are currently limited, adding to concerns about how quickly farmers can protect vulnerable animals.
During his contribution in Parliament, Mr Farron highlighted the scale of the outbreak, stating that there were already 754 reported cases of bluetongue across Great Britain. He also stressed that vaccination does not provide immediate immunity.
Mr Farron said sheep require three weeks after their first vaccine dose to become immune, while cattle require six weeks. He argued that the time required for protection made rapid access to available vaccines particularly important for farmers dealing with the outbreak.
The Westmorland and Lonsdale MP described the situation as an animal welfare disaster, a human tragedy and a serious problem for farm businesses. He asked the Prime Minister whether tackling bluetongue and delivering vaccines immediately could be made an urgent priority for the Government.
Mr Burnham acknowledged that he was already aware of concerns surrounding vaccine availability and the time it was taking for farms to obtain supplies. He said those concerns had been raised with him during a visit to a farm during the summer.
The Prime Minister said he would seek an update from the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Secretary on the situation. He also indicated that he would be prepared to meet Mr Farron to discuss the issue if that was necessary.
The exchange comes as farmers across Cumbria continue to face the consequences of confirmed bluetongue cases within the county. The disease presents particular challenges because of its potential impact on animal health, reproduction and the viability of affected farming businesses.
With restrictions already covering England and vaccine supplies under pressure, access to effective protection remains a central concern for livestock farmers. The Government is now being pressed to provide further support and clarity as the number of confirmed cases continues to develop.
Mr Farron's intervention places the concerns of Cumbrian farmers directly before the new Prime Minister, while the Government considers the response needed to tackle the outbreak. Further action will depend on the assessment provided by the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Secretary and any subsequent discussions with farming representatives and MPs.
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