"We enormously value your cooperation in helping us tackle this disease together."
Confirmation of this autumn's first UK case of bluetongue virus serotype-3 (BTV-3) last month has been a tremendous blow for the livestock sector in this country.
The virus has cast a grim shadow across northern Europe in recent months, infecting thousands of sheep and cattle, with some becoming severely unwell – others dying.
It has now reached England once again with the majority of the east coast now under a restricted zone.
READ NOW: Financial consequences of bluetongue restrictions could see Suffolk farmer £50,000 out of pocket
While bluetongue does not present implications for human health and meat and milk from infected animals are safe to drink, it can have serious consequences for farmers.
For instance, it can cause productivity issues for animals and impact farmers economically and physically, particularly the distress of having to see their animals suffering with severe disease.
First and foremost, I want to stress that we are in daily contact with industry representatives, listening to their concerns and understanding what we can do to help alleviate them.
We have already acted quickly, permitting the use of three unauthorised BTV-3 vaccines under licence and putting in place control zones to help restrict disease spread as cases continue to rise across the east of England.
It is crucial that affected livestock keepers continue to follow these restrictions and only move animals when it is absolutely essential.
We appreciate these can have real impacts on farm businesses but they are keeping farmers' livestock protected in the best way that is possible.
All restrictions will be kept under constant review as to whether they remain effective and proportionate.
They will also be heavily guided by the veterinary and epidemiological situation as the disease picture continues to change.
In the meantime, farmers are encouraged to make use of the Government's free testing service for those in restricted zones.
It can provide assurance of the health status of their animals should they require to move them.
This will in turn help prevent the possible establishment of new pockets of disease from undetected spread.
Bluetongue virus is a notifiable disease which is primarily transmitted by biting midges.
Farmers should keep a close watch for and report any suspicion of bluetongue in animals to the APHA so we can help protect flocks, herds and businesses.
We are committed to doing everything we can to support the farming community facing the impacts of this virus.
This week, Defra Secretary Steve Reed visited Essex to hear directly from farmers about the impact of the disease and how we can support them further.
In line with our commitments, we have enabled farmers to receive compensation if any of their animals are required to be culled by Government for disease.
We have also made free testing available for movements of stock out of high-risk counties.
We are constantly monitoring this fast-moving situation and will continue to work closely with farmers and animal keepers to ensure they are kept up to date and supported.
We enormously value your cooperation in helping us tackle this disease together.
READ NOW: Bluetongue updates: Large parts of eastern England now under a restricted zone
