WITH a recent APHA (Animal Plant and Health Agency) report suggesting an 80 per cent chance of the bluetongue virus serotype 8 (BTV8) hitting UK shores later this year, the National Sheep Association (NSA) is calling for an agreed disease control strategy.

NSA understands the French Government currently owns all existing vaccine for BTV8 and has made it compulsory for any livestock exiting the restriction zone in France to comply with pre-movement vaccination stipulations. Although the UK currently has its hands tied as there is no vaccine available, NSA chief executive Phil Stocker is calling for livestock keepers and UK governments to have an open dialogue on the choices being faced.

Mr Stocker said: "The NSA position, which is shared by the Sheep Veterinary Society, is that we must do all we can to keep the UK clear of the virus and not allow it to become endemic if it does arrive. We should treat any opinion that this is a "low impact" disease with extreme caution, as while there may be some residual immunity in France, we do not believe that is the case here. The UK remains highly vulnerable, with a potential BTV8 outbreak posing real welfare and production problems.

"Many NSA members tell me that, if a vaccine was available at a reasonable cost, they would choose to use it. Whether that would get usage to a level that would protect the national flock is questionable, but that is where we are at the moment and the most important challenge is to get adequate approved and inactive stocks available at a price that encourages uptake."

Market round-up

United Auctions sold 677 store heifers at Stirling on Wednesday to a top of 245.2p per kg and an average of 210.9p (-1.7p on the week), while 965 store, beef-bred bullocks peaked at 269.2p and levelled at 218.6p (+0.7p). Ninety-four store, B&W bullocks sold to 153p and averaged 128.6p (-7.6p), while 49 store bulls peaked at 194.9p and levelled at 161.6p.

In the rough ring 81 beef cows averaged 118.7p and 12 dairy cows levelled at 102.9p.

C&D Auction Marts Ltd sold 6 prime heifers in Dumfries on Wednesday to a top of 210.5p and an average of 192.7p.

There were 31 OTM cattle presented in the rough ring when beef cows averaged 109.4p and dairy cows levelled at 78.6p.

The firm also sold 706 prime hoggs to a top of £100 per head and 219p per kg to average 182.4p (+7.1p).

The 151 cast sheep forward saw heavy ewes sell to £137.50 for Texels and average £95 (+£11.49), while light ewes peaked at £78.50 for Blackfaces and levelled at £68.16 (+£9.58).