Organisers of the NSA Wales & Border Main Ram Sale say they have all contingencies in place with regard to fears over Blue Tongue.

The disease is currently contained in the east of England - an area of low stock density. There are no consignors coming from the area and little risk.  

Blue Tongue is a contagious disease and although spread mostly by midges, recent evidence does point to the possibility of some direct infection from sheep to sheep.

NSA Wales & Border Ram Sales veterinary surgeon Angus Wyse said: “All sheep presented at the Main Sale are coming from well away from the control area. This may change of course, but even so there are significant distances involved.

“All our sheep are subject to inspection and all inspectors and vets at the Main Sale have been briefed on the correct identification of the symptoms of the disease. At present we are very confident and there seem to be no concerns.”

The NSA Wales & Border Main Sale will take place at the Royal Welsh Showground on Monday, September 23.

More information is available from the National Sheep Association at: https://nationalsheep.org.uk/our-work/news/current-nsa-updates-on-bluetongue/