Welsh farmers urged to protect livestock against bluetongue
The warning comes from Angus Wyse, official veterinary officer for the NSA Wales & Border Ram Sales, who says it's not if, but when, bluetongue comes to Wales.
Bluetongue is a viral disease spread by biting midges that can cause significant losses in livestock, particularly sheep.
Mr Wyse said: "When there is a disease that can cause you 70 per cent mortality in your sheep and you can prevent it with one dose of vaccine, it just seems a no-brainer as an insurance policy.
"In Holland it was so bad that the dead stock disposal services couldn't cope and there were piles of carcasses lying on farms.
"It will come in Wales.
"Midges aren't going to respect the border.
"It will come through midge activity, but movement restriction may prevent it moving further into Wales as quickly."
Bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) has been identified as a particular threat, with Mr Wyse noting its severe effects in sheep and high milk losses in cattle.
He said: "BTV-3 doesn't seem to be so severe in cattle, although it does carry a very high milk drop which in the intensive dairy industry is the biggest worry.
"It also seems to cause quite a bit of mortality in young calves because they are more susceptible.
"We're seeing some 50 per cent milk drops in cows and they're not returning to full production in that lactation."
He also raised concerns about the ability of testing facilities to cope with a sudden surge in demand, especially during the peak breeding season.
The only UK laboratory able to test for the disease, located at Pirbright, can process only a few hundred samples per week.
Movement restrictions require a clear test within seven days of moving sheep, with each test costing around £70.
Mr Wyse said: "I'm concerned that the fact that Wales isn't a restricted area is giving farmers a false sense of security.
"Farmers are taking comfort in feeling they are not at risk."
He urged immediate action.
He said: "Vaccinate now, before you have a problem.
"Get your rams vaccinated now, so that they are covered well before the tupping period.
"And also with any early lambing ewes, you need to be thinking about it now so that you are trying not to vaccinate over the tupping period.
"The price isn't prohibitive in relation to stock values at present.
"With most vaccines available, sheep only need the one dose but cattle need two doses three weeks apart."
Bluetongue is typically seasonal, but milder weather could extend the risk into late autumn.
The disease causes circulatory failure, pulmonary oedema, and organ damage due to reduced oxygen transport in the bloodstream.
While bluetongue cannot be transmitted directly between animals, midges can carry the virus from one infected animal to another.
The NSA Wales and Border Ram Sales will be holding two early sales this year to accommodate movement restrictions.
The first sale will take place in Brecon on August 4, followed by a second in Hereford on August 5.
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