Nick Harvey MP for North Devon says: ‘I have been informed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs that the Government has ordered over 20 million does of Bluetongue Vaccine on advice from the deputy Chief veterinary Officer.

‘However, while this is to be lauded currently no vaccine is available for Bluetongue serotype 8, the strain in circulation in England and Northern Europe.

‘Although one is under development, it is not expected to be available until the summer at the soonest. In addition the Government has no intention of subsidising farmers, who will have to purchase the vaccine should they wish to inoculate their livestock.

‘We need to act now to arrest the steady westward progress of the disease before it affects the West Country.’