FARMERS in the South are being urged to protect their herds against the spread of Bluetongue disease.
The first three million vaccines against the illness are expected to be available in May but on a voluntary basis.
The National Farmers Union is calling on farmers to take up the vaccinations to try to halt the spread of the disease amongst UK animals.
Bluetongue does not pass to humans but it affects ruminant animals such as cattle, sheep, goats and deer so outbreaks mean protection zones are put into place banning the movement of animals outside that area except for slaughter.
A protection zone is currently in place across parts of the South.
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