CORNWALL’S farmers could be set for support following confirmation that DEFRA is exploring financial help for those facing Bluetongue.

For a number of weeks, farmers across the region have been battling growing cases of Bluetongue within their livestock.

Bluetongue is a non-contagious viral disease affecting domestic and wild ruminants, transmitted by biting midges. It does not affect people or food safety, but outbreaks can result in prolonged and significant challenges at farm level, as the disease is difficult to contain.

For farmers, much concern has come from the risk of fatalities among animals. On top of this, the impact of the disease is being felt financially, with the cost of vaccination, the potential loss of livestock, and the subsequent disposal costs.

North Cornwall farmer, Adrian Parsons, has said that those in the industry have been left unprepared due to the slow actions of DEFRA and other industry representatives in tackling the disease.

He said: “Some of the stories of losses I am hearing from farms across Cornwall and Devon are heartbreaking and will cause significant anguish for those affected.:

“DEFRA and some of those representing our industry were slow to recognise the true scale of the problem developing at farm level, particularly given how slowly cases were identified and recorded by APHA. By the time the seriousness of the outbreak was fully understood, we found ourselves in a situation where vaccine supplies had all but run out across the country.”

After his farm was hit by the disease, Adrian expressed how this could impact his business financially.

He continued: “The financial impact on our business, however, will be felt for some time. The loss of breeding ewes and rams, the costs associated with their disposal, the need to replace valuable stock, and the money spent on vaccines and supportive treatments for affected animals have already spiralled into the thousands of pounds. What remains unknown is the longer-term impact on our breeding flock and the implications for next year's lambing season, particularly as the rams were due to be turned in with the ewes within a matter of weeks.”

However, it following confirmation from Farming Minister, Stephen Morgan MP, farmer could soon receive financial support from DEFRA.

The news comes after North Cornwall MP Ben Maguire pressed the Farming Minister in the House of Commons for urgent financial support for farmers facing crippling livestock disposal costs. In response, the Minister confirmed ‘DEFRA is now looking at financial support options’.

Commenting, Ben Maguire MP said: "My North Cornwall farmers have had a summer from absolute hell, with the Bluetongue disease devastating herds on top of a crushing drought. One farmer alone told me he's lost 40 sheep, with no vaccine available when he needed it most.

"It's not right that on top of losing their animals, farmers are then hit with huge disposal costs. I'm glad the Minister is now looking at financial support following my challenge in the House of Commons, and I'll be holding them to it."