The Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association (INHFA) has called for bluetongue virus vaccines to be added to the national beef and sheep welfare schemes.
With at least 15 cases of bluetongue now detected in the Republic of Ireland, the INHFA stressed the growing concern among farmers about the spread of the virus and the need for clarity around proposed vaccines.
INHFA vice-president John Joe Fitzgerald said that the INHFA is “calling on the Minister and his Department to include the bluetongue virus vaccination as an additional eligible measure under both the Sheep Welfare Scheme and the Beef Welfare Scheme, as they have a vaccination option so amending the schemes to include the bluetongue vaccination is very achievable”.
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Swift action
The INHFA vice-president highlighted the need “for swift action from the Department to protect farmers, livestock and the wider sector” and stressed “the rapidly changing disease risk, combined with the early arrival of spring”.
The INHFA is also calling on the Department to provide full financial support to cover both the vaccine itself and additionally the associated labour costs of administering the vaccine. Fitzgerald stated: “Without immediate approval and financial provision, farmers cannot make informed decisions or prepare adequately should the threat level increase in the coming weeks.
"Including the bluetongue virus vaccination in both welfare schemes is a practical, essential step. But it must come with proper funding to ensure farmers are not left carrying the burden of disease prevention alone," he said.
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The Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association (INHFA) has called for bluetongue virus vaccines to be added to the national beef and sheep welfare schemes.
With at least 15 cases of bluetongue now detected in the Republic of Ireland, the INHFA stressed the growing concern among farmers about the spread of the virus and the need for clarity around proposed vaccines.
INHFA vice-president John Joe Fitzgerald said that the INHFA is “calling on the Minister and his Department to include the bluetongue virus vaccination as an additional eligible measure under both the Sheep Welfare Scheme and the Beef Welfare Scheme, as they have a vaccination option so amending the schemes to include the bluetongue vaccination is very achievable”.
Swift action
The INHFA vice-president highlighted the need “for swift action from the Department to protect farmers, livestock and the wider sector” and stressed “the rapidly changing disease risk, combined with the early arrival of spring”.
The INHFA is also calling on the Department to provide full financial support to cover both the vaccine itself and additionally the associated labour costs of administering the vaccine. Fitzgerald stated: “Without immediate approval and financial provision, farmers cannot make informed decisions or prepare adequately should the threat level increase in the coming weeks.
"Including the bluetongue virus vaccination in both welfare schemes is a practical, essential step. But it must come with proper funding to ensure farmers are not left carrying the burden of disease prevention alone," he said.
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