Push for livestock virus jabs

10:55am Tuesday 29th April 2008

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FARMERS are being sent postcards urging them to vaccinate their livestock against the bluetongue virus.

Dartford and Gravesham livestock farmers have received the postcards as part of around 30,000 being distributed throughout the south east.

Posters have also been put up at farmers' markets as part of the National Farmers Union's (NFU) Don't Hesitate -Vaccinate! campaign.

NFU Dartford Farmers and North West Kent Growers branch chairman Toby Williams said: "It is very important for all livestock keepers to vaccinate as soon as the vaccination is available."

It is expected the jabs will be offered by the Government next month, but an exact date has not yet been set.

Bluetongue affects all ruminants, including sheep, cattle, deer and goats, and can be fatal.

Symptoms can include muscle degeneration and haemorrhages.

The offspring of infected animals can be born with the virus and often die.