Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential financial impact of bluetongue virus on livestock farms; and whether she plans to provide additional financial support to farmers facing financial losses arising from livestock movement restrictions, reduced productivity and disease control measures.

This Government recognises that the current bluetongue outbreak is placing significant pressures on livestock keepers. Defra continues to work with industry representatives to consider further measures to support farmers. Keepers can apply for a funded annual vet visit under the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway, covering 2.5 hours of a vet’s time. This is intended to cover a range of issues and could include discussion about BTV and checking of animals, alongside the actions required as part of the scheme.