Impacts of failing to manage Bluetongue effectively in Wales

The recent cases of Bluetongue in Wales provide a stark reminder of the threat facing Welsh rural communities if not actively managed.

“As well as the economic and animal welfare impacts of the disease it is also important to recognise the significant social consequences that will arise if this disease establishes itself in Wales” says John Thorley, Chairman of AIMS.

“The strain on farmers comes at a time when a number of government policies including inheritance tax is already having a detrimental impact on the mental health of livestock producers and their families. Whilst resilient there is only so much farming businesses can manage” John continued.

“The wider impact on the rural economy also needs to be considered with knock on effects on the support industries including suppliers and the processing industries. There are also implications for tourism and retail which, in remote areas, are dependent on a robust farming sector” John added.

“All of these factors have a potential negative impact on retaining a viable population in the more remote areas of Wales, a stronghold for the Welsh language, which the Welsh government is committed to protect”.

“Failure to act now and implement a coherent strategy, would be an abdication of responsibility, and will have a long term detrimental impact on Welsh rural communities”.

“That is why countries in Europe have introduced government funded vaccination campaigns.  This allows producers to manage the risk of the disease without the need for costly, and as we have seen this year, largely ineffectual movement restriction regimes”.