Written question WQ100170
- Asked by
- Elwyn VaughanPlaid
- To be answered by
- Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 6 days
Question
What assurance can the Welsh Government provide that there is sufficient vaccine provision available for farmers, and what advice is being provided to the sector regarding this, considering the increase in the incidents of bluetongue, especially in Montgomeryshire?
Answer
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability (Llyr Gruffydd)
The Welsh Government is part of the Bluetongue Vaccine Taskforce, that works to improve the supply of vaccine available for use in Great Britain. The Task Force comprises all three GB administrations, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate, farming industry representatives and members of the veterinary associations.
Vaccine manufacturers and wholesalers regularly attend the Task Force meetings and are currently importing products from Northern Ireland and Europe to help meet demand in GB. They advise that commercial decisions around further imports and vaccine production runs are dependent on demand from industry. All members of the Task Force are urging farmers and vets to place orders for vaccine to demonstrate demand and ensure additional supplies are made available.
Confirmed cases of Bluetongue are expected to increase across Wales and all farmers are strongly encouraged to discuss vaccination with their vets.