Schmallenberg virus: MP calls for live shipment ban

Despite all the state veterinary huff and puff, Britain's government vets are not really believed any more.

There have been too many animal and zoonotic illnesses arriving from abroad and causing chaos, with the method of entry never found.

Only constant fabrications and secrecy in place of openess and integrity.

The Agriculture Ministry - Maff-Defra are now running out of all credibility again.

Even members of Parliament seem unconvinced according to a BBC report - available in full here

4 March 2012 Last updated at 12:29

Schmallenberg virus: Kent MP calls for livestock export ban

Calls for a ban on the export of livestock in the face of a recent UK outbreak of Schmallenberg virus have been made by a Kent MP.

Laura Sandys, the Conservative MP for Thanet, said the import and export of live animals should be banned to stop the virus spreading.

The disease causes birth defects and miscarriages in livestock.

Humans are thought to be unaffected by the virus, which is believed to be spread by midges, mosquitoes and ticks.

'Such uncertainty' Ms Sandys said: "There are so many unknowns at present.

"There is no treatment or preventative vaccine available, nor are we
are clear on how the virus is being transmitted.

"With such uncertainty about how the infection could spread, I am calling for all international transportation of live animals to cease immediately."


...Defra said it suspected livestock may have got the virus from infected midges blown across the Channel from affected areas in Europe.