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New threat to farm livestock
5:39am Thursday 24th May 2007
A disease that leaves farm animals with blue tongues could cross the Channel and infect Sussex livestock, the Government was warned yesterday.
Norman Baker, Liberal Democrat MP for Lewes, said he feared the potentially fatal blue tongue disease could be the latest "body blow" to farmers, following BSE and foot-and-mouth.
The insect-borne virus, which affects sheep, cattle, goats and deer, is normally associated with warmer countries.
But rising global temperatures have led to recent outbreaks in Europe - including France.
There is no effective treatment for the disease, which is spread by the female biting midge.
In sheep it causes fever, drooling and swelling of the face and tongue, triggering a blue appearance in some cases.
Although it can kill animals - particularly sheep - it is said to pose no threat to humans.
About one in three sheep that contract the condition die.
Mr Baker said farmers in East Sussex were concerned about blue tongue.
Speaking in a Commons debate yesterday, he said: "Blue tongue is now already found across the Channel and with a fair wind it could cross to Kent and therefore East Sussex.
"Over the past ten to 15 years we have had a succession of major body blows to the livestock industry, in particular with BSE and foot-andmouth.
I hope blue tongue is not going to be the next one."
Mr Baker asked the Government what assessment it had made of the threat posed to farms in Lewes and the rest of the country and what plans were in place "to prevent it occurring if possible or to deal with it if it does occur". He also asked what arrangements had been made for livestock restrictions, culling or compensation.
Environment Minister Ian Pearson said he was "particularly concerned" about blue tongue landing in Britain. He promised to write to Mr Baker with a detailed response. Mr Baker, speaking after the debate, said: "The Government ought to have schemes in place to deal with blue tongue. We need to know, can it stop it?
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