Lib Dems question response to SBV
Liberal Democrats in England and Wales have raised questions about the Government's response to the outbreak of Schmallenberg Virus (SBV) in UK territory. Mr Tim Farron, MP for South Lakes, has tabled two written parliamentary questions concerning plans by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) for on-farm testing and the advice DEFRA will be giving farmers on purchasing livestock from affected areas.
“I am very concerned that the Government has not given clear guidelines to those farmers currently importing stock from affected areas. We shouldn’t leave farmers adrift during this uncertain time. We don’t know how big a problem this new disease is going to be, so we should not overreact, but we can be proactive.” said Mr Farron (pictured).
William Powell AM, the Welsh Liberal Democrat Shadow Rural Affairs Minister, also asked the National Assembly about the Welsh Government's preparations. “The Schmallenberg virus has been known about for many months and everyone here in Wales has been deeply concerned about its potential impacts should it cross the border. The Welsh Government must to lead the way in its response and accept the responsibility it has to Welsh farmers” he said.
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
