A statement of information on the Assembly's website gives details of its future considerations for the 5.25 million unused doses of BTV-8 vaccine.

It says consideration had been given to extending the shelf life of the vaccine – but it had been found that was not feasible.

It makes it clear too, that account had also been taken of the fact that there had been no sales of vaccine so far this year in Wales.

In the light of both considerations, a decision had to be taken in the next few weeks whether or not to sell off the remaining stock to other EU Member States.

“Vaccine is readily available at the moment through local vets,” NFU Cymru president, Dai Davies said today (Monday, April 6).

“But if the Assembly takes the decision to sell off the remaining doses of unused vaccine abroad then availability will be entirely dependent on market forces and the likely cost of vaccine will rise by 10-15 per cent in this country.

“Our message has always been to livestock keepers not to be complacent about the threat this disease poses to their livestock and it is important they consider their decision carefully now – before it is too late.

“The opportunity is now available to vaccinate stock at a time that suits their business and before the weather warms up and midge activity increases.

“We only have to look at France to realise the devastation this disease can cause with over 24,000 cases of BTV-8 last year,” he added.

“There remains a serious risk of disease entering this country through wind-borne incursion or through imports of animals.

“If this occurs then disease could spread rapidly throughout the country through midge activity and animal movements.

“I am again urging all Welsh farmers to vaccinate now.”