Earlier this week, government department DEFRA briefed MPs on the recent outbreak of the Bluetongue Virus, a disease spread by midges that affects cattle and sheep. The outbreak has been identified in 73 farms across England – with Kent, Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk being most at risk.
Therese said: "There is a vaccine due to be used in the Netherlands but at this point, DEFRA is not going to authorise the vaccine in the UK as it has not been tested. I asked if an emergency authorisation would be possible, though I understand that the NFU would prefer a provisional market authorisation which they know will take several months to secure, rather than an emergency authorisation to avoid any trade issues that could arise. Biosecurity is, of course, a key concern."
"I want to reassure the public that Bluetongue does not affect humans, and there is no risk of the disease being contracted or spread through meat or milk."
"I encourage any concerned farmers to contact me directly at: therese.coffey.mp@parliament.uk."
