Introduction of bluetongue-approved red markets called ‘step forward’

On Friday 11th July, the Welsh Government and the deputy first minister Huw Irranca-Davies announced the introduction of bluetongue-approved red markets. 

The change means that from today,14th July, animals can be moved from the Restricted Zone in England to a bluetongue-approved red market in Wales, for direct onward movement to a designated slaughterhouse in Wales or one within the restricted zone. 

The decision follows a bluetongue roundtable meeting hosted by the deputy first minister on Tuesday, 8th July. 

NFU Cymru president Aled Jones, who represented NFU Cymru at the meeting, said: “I outlined to the deputy first minister the impact that bluetongue control policy is having on our livestock industry in Wales.  

“There continues to be huge concern from our members about the impact these controls are having on our sector. As we near an important time in the farming calendar for the movement of breeding stock, more must be done to ensure this trade and the future viability of our breeding flocks/herds and, ultimately, farm business viability, are not put at risk. 

“The introduction of bluetongue-approved red markets is a step forward. In normal times some animals would go for further finishing, so the fact everything must go direct for slaughter is not without its drawbacks, but the introduction of this flexibility will help facilitate and support trade in finished prime stock.” 

READ MORE: Bluetongue restricted zone set to cover all of England

READ MORE: Wales: Concerns raised as new bluetongue controls have been announced

Calls for urgent financial assistance

Mr Jones added that NFU Cymru will continue to raise concerns about the resources and capacity of government agencies and official laboratories to cope with testing and licensing requirements.  

“In addition, the cost of testing is essentially prohibitive, apart from small numbers of very high-value stocks; this is why NFU Cymru, jointly with the NFU, wrote to Welsh Government and Defra to call for urgent financial assistance to help farmers cover the cost of testing. This request remains outstanding,” he continued. 

NFU Cymru recommends that farmers in Wales discuss the potential benefits of vaccination with their own private vet to decide if it is right for them and represents the best way to protect their flock and/or herd. 

“We note that the CVO for Wales is actively exploring how vaccine use can support further easing of restrictions to trade. This is welcome, but with the clock counting down to breeding sale season, timing is everything.  

“We urge Welsh Government to work with industry and to consider what can be done as soon as possible to facilitate greater trade in vaccinated stock. 

“NFU Cymru has been vocal in calling for more guidance for farmers on how to comply with the rules, particularly for cross-border farms, and we note Welsh Government has published this in addition today,” the NFU Cymru president concluded. 

READ MORE: #BattleBluetongue campaign launches encouraging farmers to vaccinate their livestock

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