Symptoms of bluetongue are generally worst in sheep

The first vaccinations against the animal disease bluetongue are taking place on a farm in Norfolk.

The non-contagious virus, spread by midges, was first reported in Britain last year. Since then, 127 premises have been infected.

Vets and farmers’ leaders have welcomed the speed with which a vaccine has been created, as the process can sometimes take several years to complete.

Bluetongue can have a devastating effect on cattle herds and sheep.

Vaccination began on cattle at Bixley Farms in Norfolk on Thursday morning.

The programme will then roll-out across the bluetongue high risk protection zones in England, which include East Anglia and a large part of the South East.

Tim Cane, farm manager at Bixley Farms, said: “Bluetongue is a particularly horrific disease and whether you’re a smallholder with a few animals or a farmer with a large commercial enterprise it’s our duty to ensure that as many sheep and cattle in the protection zone as possible are vaccinated to help prevent the disease from spreading.”

‘Only realistic prospect’

Campaigners in Britain have been calling for a vaccination to be made available before the arrival of warmer weather when the midges start to become active.

Peter Kendall, president of the National Farmers’ Union, praised the government and the vaccine company for making the product available so quickly.

The success of our control and vaccination strategy will ultimately depend on the industry itself Hilary Benn, Environment Secretary

Acting chief veterinary officer Alick Simmons said the vaccination offered the “only realistic prospect” of controlling the disease.

Environment Secretary Hilary Benn praised the Milton Keynes-based company, Intervet, for producing the new vaccine ahead of schedule and in a very tight timescale.

He said: “The success of our control and vaccination strategy will ultimately depend on the industry itself, and I strongly support the industry-led campaign to promote vaccination.

“The message to animal keepers is clear, don’t hesitate, vaccinate.”