THE MP for the Holsworthy area has condemned a reliance on ad hoc schemes to control the current Bluetongue outbreak ravaging the countryside, stating a “stronger and more coordinated response” is needed.

Sir Geoffrey Cox (Conservative, Torridge and Tavistock) has vowed to continue pressing the government for ‘stronger action’ to be taken in the face of the Bluetongue disease which is having a devastating impact on rural communities.

Bluetongue virus is mainly spread by biting midges and can affect sheep, cattle, other ruminants such as deer and goats, as well as llamas and alpacas.

Sir Geoffrey highlights that other nations have taken stringent steps to tackle this outbreak, something the UK should be considering.

He said: "Bluetongue continues to be a serious concern for farmers throughout Torridge and Tavistock, and I have been speaking directly to farmers about the very real impact this disease is having on their livestock, livelihoods and businesses.

“I have been particularly concerned by the depth of concern for the future of farming families who are already dealing with the consequences of bluetongue, as well as those who are understandably worried about the risk to their herds and flocks.

“I have been pressing the government to take further action since the outbreak of the disease in Devon. It will not be enough simply to rely on the ad hoc schemes that have been used to date. We must have a stronger and more coordinated response, including increased resources for the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and AHDB, more free testing to identify cases and move towards a national vaccination scheme.”

“This is one area where I believe we can learn from the approach being taken in France, where national vaccination is being used as an important part of the response to the disease.”

As a result of the outbreak a number of local agricultural shows have taken the tough decision to cancel the traditional livestock classes.

However, Holsworthy and Stratton Agricultural Show will be bucking the trend and have allowed the show to go on.

Secretary Fiona Cleave confirmed: “We won’t get the numbers we usually do but we are cracking on!”

Sir Geoffrey will be making the most of the opportunity to hear from local farmers in the area, to strengthen his understanding of the impact of this disease which will in turn aid his conversations with government.

He added: “I will be holding a farming surgery at the Holsworthy Show and, if any farmers would like to speak to me about bluetongue or the wider pressures facing their businesses, I would very much like to hear from them.

“Our farmers are at the heart of our rural communities and economy. They work extraordinarily hard to produce our food and maintain our countryside, and they must have the support of the government in doing everything it can to protect them and their livelihoods.

“I am raising these issues directly with Ministers and pressing for the stronger action that this serious threat demands.”