With eight reported cases of infectious imported animals in the UK and more than 15,000 cases of BTV8 having been reported in France so far this year, the potentially devastating threat to Northumberland livestock and farmers' livelihoods is as real as ever.

Animal Health divisional veterinary manager Peter Gray said: "Take-up of the bluetongue vaccine in Northumberland has, so far, been depressingly low.

"One of the key reasons for the poor use of bluetongue vaccine appears to be ill-founded complacency about the high ongoing risk posed, made worse by unsubstantiated rumours about the safety of the vaccine.

"The risk to farmers' livestock and livelihood from this disease far outweighs any perceived risk associated with vaccination.

"Vaccination is the only effective way to protect against bluetongue."

It is also important that farmers keep bluetongue in mind when inspecting their stock.

Anyone suspecting bluetongue must report it to the Animal Health Office on (0191) 229 5400.

Signs of bluetongue include fever, lameness, swelling around the face and head, breathing difficulties and discharge from the eyes and nose.

Barry Taylor, Trading Standards team manager advises that: "The recent cases of farmers in England importing infected animals from the continent serve as a reminder of the serious threat to our industry if individual farmers do not act responsibly."

Coun Lesley Rickerby, executive member for community services, said: "I would urge all farmers to play their part in keeping bluetongue out of Northumberland and vaccinate their animals at the earliest opportunity.

"This is a very cost effective insurance for farmers to protect their livestock – so don't hesitate, vaccinate!"

Bluetongue is a disease of animals affecting all ruminants, including sheep, cattle, deer, goats and camelids (llamas, alpacas etc.)

It does not affect horses or pigs.

Sheep are most severely affected by bluetongue.

Cattle, although infected more frequently than sheep, do not always show signs of the disease.

Bluetongue does not affect humans and there are no public health implications.