The deadline for compulsorybluetongue vaccinationin Scotland is
just five weeks away and only 50% of farms have been
protected.
Scottish farmers have been warned that the clock is now against
them and ticking fast.
The latest figures from the Scottish government show that only
49.21% of holdings have administered 5m doses of BTV8 vaccine, and
while Chief Vet Charles Milne said the statistics were largely in
line with projected estimates, he insisted he would not be happy
with anything less than 100% adherence to the programme which was
agreed in consultation with the industry.
"We know that if we achieve 80% it is likely to be enough to
prevent establishment of the disease, but this compulsory regime
was not imposed on the Scottish farming industry, it was bought
into by all stakeholders," he said.
"I expect a big upsurge over the next three to four weeks when
livestock is brought in for lambing or calving, so I am cautiously
optimistic that we will hit the target."
NFUS president Jim McLaren
said a last gasp approach had always been predicted, but these
figures should now concentrate the minds of producers who have been
putting it off.
He added a warning: "They now have a very tight window, and they
must comply. The entire country's livestock industry is at stake if
we fail to protect our flocks and herds from this terrible
disease."
