"Time is running out for local farmers as they wait for the bluetongue vaccine" - Farron

Local MP Tim Farron has today spoken out against DEFRA proposals for the roll out of the bluetongue vaccine; in a recent answer to a Parliamentary Question, DEFRA merely noted that mass vaccination would hopefully be achieved "over the summer."

If Cumbrian livestock is not vaccinated by mid-July, then it will not be possible for those animals to be moved to market when the livestock sales begin from mid/late August. This will cause hardship even worse than that experienced by farmers during the movement restrictions cause by last year's foot and mouth outbreak.

Mr Farron, who is also Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Hill Farming said:

"Whilst I respect that some areas are of a higher priority, time is running out for farmers in the north as they wait for the bluetongue vaccine. Farmers in Cumbria need to be able to get their animals to market on time; to not be able to do so would be a devastating blow for hill farming in Cumbria and would be another step towards forcing local farmers out of business.