Tim Farron challenges new PM over bluetongue virus outbreak in Cumbria

On the floor of the House of Commons last night, Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron urged the Prime Minister to make tackling the outbreak of bluetongue disease an “urgent priority” for his government.

Bluetongue has already been confirmed on farms near Carlisle, Wigton, Appleby, and Millom, but with a three week delay in confirming suspect cases, county vets say the numbers will continue to rise daily.

According to the NFU, bluetongue is often fatal in sheep and can cause abortions in cows, temporary infertility in bulls and deformities in newborn calves.

Speaking during Andy Burnham’s first time addressing MPs in the House of Commons since becoming Prime Minister, Tim said: “The Prime Minister was elected for the first time to this place in 2001 - I welcome him back - in the election that was postponed because of the foot and mouth disease outbreak.

“There are 754 reported cases of bluetongue in Great Britain already. 

“It takes three weeks after the first dose of vaccine for sheep to become immune, and six weeks for cattle. 

“This is an animal welfare disaster, a human tragedy, and a farm business nightmare. 

“Will the Prime Minister make the tackling of bluetongue and the immediate delivery of the vaccine an urgent priority for him and his Government?”

In response, Andy Bunrham said: “On my visit to a farm in the summer, I heard concerns about the availability of vaccine, and the time it was taking for farms to access it, so I am aware of the issue. 

“I will seek an update from the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Secretary and, if necessary, I am prepared to meet the honourable gentleman to discuss this.”