By Anna Burdett

Last updated at 11:20, Friday, 26 June 2009

Farmers in Cumbria still seem reluctant to vaccinate against bluetongue, according to one veterinary practice that says only half its clients have done so.

The Paragon Veterinary Group has farmer clients at its practices in Dalston and Newbiggin.

David Black from Paragon said that just 53 per cent of susceptible farm animals kept by these farmers has been vaccinated since September 2008.

That figure rises significantly to 71 per cent for cattle vaccination alone.

Mr Black said: “I think people are being complacent about bluetongue.

“The only thing that I believe will change this is if we have an outbreak or scare. I can’t see people taking any more notice of what we say. They plainly don’t think it’s worthwhile doing.

“We thought we were doing a better job than that.”

The hot summer months are likely to be the highest risk period.

The disease could enter the country on imported animals but checks are in place.

Experts also believe that infected midges could make it across the channel from France if there were a prevailing wind behind them.

First published at 05:11, Friday, 26 June 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk