Council calls for faster help for Northumberland farmers after livestock virus outbreak
A call has been made for faster testing and access to vaccines for Northumberland farmers in the wake of a Bluetongue outbreak in livestock.
Northumberland County Council is writing to the Government on the issue – as it highlights the mental health support available to farmers.
Cllr Mark Mather, a Wooler farmer, said: "As a farmer myself, I can relate to the difficulties those working in the industry are facing at the moment.
"The outbreak of Bluetongue, movement restrictions across the border, concerns about accessing vaccine and the time it takes to get test results are a real concern.
"We are writing to the Government again to push for faster testing and access to vaccines.
“All this comes after a very challenging summer of hot, dry weather. When additional difficulties such as caring for sick animals or concerns about the spread of Bluetongue are added in to that, it raises concerns and stress even further.”
He added: “Farmers work long hours, often in isolation. In most cases, our place of business is also our home, meaning there is no easy way to get away from work pressures.
“Mental health is profoundly important to quality of life, and I would encourage anyone who is feeling overwhelmed to please reach out to someone.”
For information about support organisations available go to https://defrafarming.blog.gov.uk/wellbeing-support-for-farmers/ and https://www.northumberland.gov.uk/public-health/health-support/mental-health-and-wellbeing
Northumberland County Council’s Trading Standards and Animal Health Team recently issued an appeal to farmers and livestock keepers to remain vigilant following a confirmed outbreak of the Bluetongue virus in the west of the county.
Bluetongue affects sheep, cattle, goats, and alpacas.
It poses no risk to humans or food safety.
Latest figures published by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) show 1,081 cases of bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) have been confirmed in the United Kingdom during the 2026 to 2027 season.
The number of confirmed cases has doubled over the past three weeks with the peak of the outbreak expected at the end of September, depending on seasonal weather conditions.