A DUTCH farmer who has first-hand knowledge of the devastating impact of bluetongue has urged the region’s farmers to vaccinate against the disease.

Jakob Pustjens has completed a tour of UK auction marts where he has passed on his experience to livestock producers.

And although pleased with the level of interest he was worried about the attitude of many farmers he met.

He said: “I was concerned to find that many UK farmers are more aware of potential reasons why not to vaccinate against bluetongue, than they are of reasons why they should.”

Mr Pustjens’ visit was arranged by the Livestock Auctioneers Association and Merial Animal Health.

He found producers keen to find out more about bluetongues impact on the health of sheep and cattle and whether infected animals could recover.

“It seemed that it was the first opportunity which many farmers had to learn more about the sickness which bluetongue causes in infected animals, the extra workload and stress for the farmer looking after them, as well as the overall financial cost,” he said.

“Few had given this much thought before, including those who had already vaccinated against bluetongue.”

Many asked about different strains of the disease. Some felt it might be better to wait for a vaccine which covered more than one strain, while others asked about rumoured side effects caused by the vaccines.

Mr Pustjens said: “Overall, farmers seemed encouraged to hear that vaccination worked very well for us in the south of the Netherlands last year, without any problems.

“I found that dairy farmers and those breeding and finishing their own stock are generally more positive about vaccinating, mainly because of the high value of their animals.

“Younger farmers are also more pro-active about it.

“But many of those who keep stock for just a short period of time, purely for finishing, are still sceptical about vaccinating.”

When he spoke to farmers who had already vaccinated, or were planning to do so, about how bluetongue had affected his own stock it confirmed to them that they were doing the right thing.

“Overall, I think farmers need to focus less on some of the political issues and rumours surrounding vaccination,”

said Mr Pustjens.

“The priority for them must be to talk to their vet for specific advice on protecting against bluetongue.”