Comments on: so you think it’s going to be bad…

By: paula

paula — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 21:09:07 +0000

Thanks Heidi - it’s good to have your encouragement, understanding and continued support from over the pond.

As for those rulings…well, I think I’d better keep shtum about that!

By: heidi

heidi — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 20:13:33 +0000

What I would like to know is what in the heck is with the EU in regards to restricting the vaccine to certain zones? It sounds like the midges don’t stay within zones.

All my hopes and prayers go out that this can be stopped.

By: paula

paula — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 09:25:44 +0000

Vivien it must be even more desperate knowing there’s a vaccine but not being able to use it. I’d like to think that there’s a second batch ordered to cover all areas of the UK - otherwise it seems we’re just flirting with the disease. I’ll see what other info I can winkle out. Unfortunately there are so many contradictory pieces of information out there - it’s difficult to know what’s for real.

I’ve just chased my vet for the pdfs and will pass them on as soon as I receive them.

All thoughts for you and your sheep and for healthy, happy longevity - I agree, you mustn’t loose them now.

By: Vivien

Vivien — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 22:05:18 +0000

Hi Paula,

I wholeheartedly echo the above worries & would also very much appreciate the pdfs whenever you have them. We have 12 pet sheep, the
lambs are 10 yrs & the mums are 13yrs. Having been through so much with them to keep them to this age I am damned if I am going to lose them to this horrific disease. To say it is criminal that the vaccine hadn”t
been ordered well before it was & in far bigger quantities is an understatement. We live in South Wales so won”t be seeing any vaccine. The 2.5 million doses allocated apparently will only cover 70% of Powys & Monmouthshire. Thank you Paula for the very informative website.

e-mail : paul@collier47.fsnet.co.uk

By: paula

paula — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 21:51:04 +0000

I know mopsa - I feel just the same. Sooo frustrating. Yup, anything useful that comes my way I’ll pass on.

By: paula

paula — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 21:48:51 +0000

Of course I will Fiona. I think we just have to take solace in the fact we have a chance to do something - hopefully it won’t be high jacked by ridiculous legislation.

I’m hoping that I may persuade a vet to help out with questions too. But that’s very much in the pipeline and I guess that once the disease hits we are all going to have our work cut out.

Oh and I’m glad you find the blog interesting - thanks.

By: paula

paula — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 21:41:17 +0000

Thanks Susi. I’ll get in touch with Pat

By: Mopsa

Mopsa — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 20:41:15 +0000

Have registered with the vet, but not being able to vaccinate NOW with all these midges biting ME is very worrying indeed. yes please to the pdfs Paula and thank you - you are fulfilling a public service!

By: Fiona R Palmer

Fiona R Palmer — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 19:52:14 +0000

Hi Paula,

I’ve been reading your blog for a few weeks now and find it fascinating.
Please put me on the list to receive any info about bluetongue,I’m extremely worried about all of the consequences,like one of the previous contacts I’m worried to death( an unfortunate phrase,I know) about losing any of my ladies or their babies
e-mail : fiona6657@btinternet.com

By: susi

susi — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 19:26:03 +0000

Pat Walker, who is secretary of the North Yorkshire Smallholders’ Society, has information on diagnosing and treating blue tongue in sheep (including reports from the Netherlands). I know you’re not in our area but I’m sure Pat would pass this on if you asked (pat@smallholder.org.uk).