Vaccinations May be Best Hope
UK - Vaccinations against bluetongue look like being the most effective measure against the disease, a government expert has said.
22 October 2007
1 minute read
Dr Simon Carpenter, a specialist in biting insects at the Institute for Animal Health, said the option appeared the most effective long-term solution for farmers attempting to protect their livestock from the disease.
Bluetongue control zones now cover most of England and the Welsh government has reversed a decision not to allow the transport of any animals into the country from the control zone for slaughter - a move which has come as some relief to many farmers.
But many continue to call for a return to sheep dips in order to fend off the Culicoides midge which spreads the virus.
Dr Carpenter told BBC Radio 4's Farming Today programme that no scientific evidence existed backing the effectiveness of such a treatment against the disease.
