COMMONERS and farmers in the New Forest are being urged to vaccinate their stock against the Bluetongue virus.

The New Forest National Park Authority, the Verderers and the National Farmer's union have joined forces to warn of the dangers of this deadly disease and to highlight the benefits of vaccination for those with ruminant animals such as cows, sheep and goats.

Bluetongue is a serious disease that can affect the health and welfare of live stock and without vaccination animals can become very sick and die, but the disease does not affect humans.


Vaccine available in May


Stephen Trotter, Director of Conservation, Recreation and Sustainable Development at the New Forest National Park Authority, said: "We understand that for commoners it may be difficult and time-consuming to retrieve their animals from the Forest once they have been turned out for the summer.

" However, unless everyone gets their stock vaccinated the potential benefits of the vaccination could be undermined as the transmission of the virus through unhygienic practices cannot be ruled out.

"We understand the vaccine will be available in May and we encourage all owners to register with their Vet to secure their supply now.

"We have been working closely with the Verderers who feel it would be beneficial for commoners to know where to find information on the disease and to explain the benefits of vaccination."

All commoners will soon be receiving an information pack from the National Park Authority which explains Bluetongue and its effects and the advantages of vaccinating against it.

Earlier this year the New Forest was placed in the Bluetongue protection zone.

More information about Bluetongue can be found online at www.defra.gov.uk/bluetongue and at the Joint Campaign Against Bluetongue www.bluetongue-info.com