The Rt Rev Martin Seeley, Bishop of the St Edmundsbury and Ipswich Diocese and this year’s President of the Suffolk Show, is calling for more support for farmers and related businesses who face the devastating impact of blue tongue disease among livestock.
The disease, which affects cattle, sheep, goats and deer, has now been found in animals in Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex leading to the imposing of severe movement restrictions on livestock.
He said: “This disease is deadly for the animals, and the movement restrictions means farmers cannot take their animals to market. This severely affects the livelihood and well being of farmers and their families, as well as those in businesses that support our agriculture.”
The disease is transmitted by midges and so controlling infection is particularly challenging.
Bishop Martin, who is currently also serving as the President of the Suffolk Agricultural Association, added, “We have been anticipating for some time that blue tongue could come to this part of the world since it is has been present in midges the other side of the North Sea and it was only a matter of time before they reached us. What we need now is much more support for farmers and others who are suffering from the impact both of the disease in their livestock and the consequent restrictions on moving their farm animals.”