The Tenant Farmers Association (TFA) is calling on the Government to deliver an immediate, coordinated response to the escalating bluetongue outbreak and the severe drought affecting livestock businesses.
TFA members have been reporting to the Association on the mounting stress of dealing with livestock losses, veterinary costs and shortages of grazing, feed and water. Taking on board some thoughtful and pragmatic suggestions from TFA members, a paper has been submitted by the TFA to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).
TFA Chief Executive, George Dunn, said: “Farmers are dealing with a double whammy of bluetongue and drought. Whilst these may be natural phenomena, the scale of their impact demands a faster, better coordinated Government response.”
The TFA is urging DEFRA and APHA to make bluetongue case reporting and diagnosis faster, free and accessible. This should include properly staffed telephone and online services, full reimbursement of veterinary investigation costs, Government-funded testing of all samples reasonably required by attending vets and increased laboratory capacity. Better local level data on disease spread would also be greatly beneficial.
“Farmers must not be deterred from reporting suspected disease because telephone lines are overwhelmed, testing is slow or calling out a vet creates an unaffordable bill,” said Mr Dunn.
The TFA is also calling for a more coordinated approach to bluetongue vaccination including an immediate Government contribution towards vaccine and administration costs, with enhanced help for small and tenanted cattle and sheep businesses. Government should coordinate vaccine supply and encourage bottle-sharing arrangements to reduce waste.
“Vaccine access must not depend on farm size, location or cash flow. Effective disease control requires Government to remove barriers to accessing essential vaccine for livestock,” said Mr Dunn.
The TFA has also proposed an emergency bluetongue and drought support scheme for viable livestock businesses facing exceptional mortality, veterinary bills, feed costs or severe loss of grazing. In addition, the TFA wants to see a senior DEFRA official identified to coordinate delivery across Government agencies.
“Farmers need transparent leadership from Government and clear evidence that actions are delivering results to the farm gate,” said Mr Dunn.
“This is about safeguarding animal welfare, farm businesses and the country’s food-producing capacity. Ministers must act now, while also developing a long-term livestock resilience strategy covering disease control, water security, forage, climate adaptation and veterinary capacity,” said Mr Dunn.
-Ends-
Ref: MR26/10
13 August 2026
Notes to the Editor:
Link to TFA paper submitted to DEFRA
For media enquiries, contact Julia Meadows, TFA Communications and Events Coordinator, on a or 07887 777157.
