Bluetongue can kill suddenly, farmer warns
Getty ImagesA farmer has described the devastating impact of the bluetongue outbreak after losing almost 25 sheep and lambs.
The virus, which affects sheep and cattle and is spread by biting midges, has prompted warnings from some farmers that it could become the sector's biggest crisis since the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.
Figures from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) on Thursday showed there were 202 affected sites in Devon, and 77 in Cornwall, with the south-west of England being the most impacted area of the UK.
Kim Dart, who farms near South Molton in Devon, said she dreaded checking her flock each day because more animals were dying despite efforts to protect them.
Speaking as she examined sick lambs, Dart explained that many were suffering with severe nasal discharge and painful sores in their mouths.
"We didn't see it coming on this scale," she said.
"We'd heard about it, but we didn't expect it to be quite as overwhelming really.
"One minute you think that they're doing OK and then suddenly they die."
The sickest sheep have been brought indoors so they can receive extra food, water and care.
Vet Ben Odbert said vaccination was vital to protect livestock.
"Bluetongue has been a nightmare, I'm afraid to say," he said, adding: "It's really hit hard."
Another vet Ian May said: "This year it is much worse than we thought it was going to be.
"I think we were lulled into a false sense of security last year."
May suggested a mild winter or weather conditions may have contributed to the rapid spread of the virus but said the exact reason remained unclear.
Vaccinating livestock has also created a significant financial burden for farmers. Dart said she expected to spend between £7,000 and £8,000 vaccinating all her animals.
Labour MP for Truro and Falmouth Jayne Kirkham said she had been closely monitoring the rise in cases and was feeding concerns from farmers and local councillors directly to ministers.
Kirkham said Defra was considering what support could be provided and was working to ensure more vaccine supplies were available in the UK, and the South West.
"I will continue to use my line into Defra to make sure that Cornwall and the farmers in Devon as well, who are really struggling with it, get some help," she said.
The cost of removing dead livestock has added further pressure.
Dart said a local collection service had received 120 calls from farmers in a single day to remove dead animals.
Vets have warned that midges are likely to remain active until November and are urging livestock owners to vaccinate animals as soon as possible.
