Vaccination debate confuses farmers

30 March 2001



‘Vaccination debate confuses farmers’

By Jeremy Hunt, north west correspondent

TOTALLY confused — that is how Cumbrian fell farmer Will Cockbain describes farmers feelings on the use of vaccination tackling foot-and-mouth.

A lack of information about what is happening is compounded by the conflicting viewpoints on the impact of vaccination, said Mr Cockbain.

Government scientists have been saying one thing, other independent vets have been saying another. And no on is saying anything to the farmers.

On Friday (30 March) the Prime Ministers spokesman indicated that a decision on whether to vaccinate livestock may not be taken until Monday.

He reckons he is 51% for and 49% against vaccination but believes those who are vehemently opposed are basing their stand on scant information.

Farmers need to know more about a vaccination policy; where it will be used, and animal health and export implications, said Mr Cockbain.

Mr Cockbain, who runs a hefted flock of hill ewes at Keswick, says the continued mass slaughter of sheep in Cumbria is not controlling foot-and-mouth.

One thing is certain; we cannot go on slaughtering mindlessly at this level when it is simply not working.

Are we going to kill every cow, sheep and pig in the entire county?

If this goes on thats whats going to happen. Something else has to be done.

Movement restrictions are causing serious problems on fell flocks, said Mr Cockbain. Some of his fell sheep have been on high ground for three weeks longer than normal.

We are 10 days off lambing and at least 20% of the flock is looking like skin and bone. We are facing a huge welfare problem in these hill flocks, he said.

Hefted sheep flocks cannot be replaced. Hill farmers desperately need more information on vaccination as another line of defence.