ROOKER SEES BLUETONGUE COMING

24-09-2007

The arrival of Bluetongue to Britain's cattle is a frightening development for our hard-pressed farmers - but it came as no surprise to Birmingham peer Lord Rooker, the Minister for Sustainable Farming, Food and Agriculture.

Chatting to The Stirrer last week about the risk of another foot and mouth outbreak he warned: "Just wait until Bluetongue arrives. That could be just as bad."

The virus which is spread by midges has travelled from southern Africa through to Europe, where it has devastated livestock and sheep in Belgium, Holland and Germany. Deer and goats can also be affected, although it can't be transmitted to humans.

Animals experience flu-like symptoms and as with foot and mouth face mass culling in areas where it takes hold.

It's thought that climate change has encouraged it's spread northwards, although so far there has only be one case in Britain - in Suffolk - and it's hoped that it will be an isolated incident.

This week's weather forecast - which indicates sharp frosts - should signal the end of the midge season and with, it for now, the Bluetongue outbreak.