THERE is growing unease in Scotland about Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs plans to roll out its bluetongue vaccination programme into Northumberland and Cumbria next month.

Following a stakeholders' meeting yesterday, NFU Scotland believes farmers deserve a fuller explanation of the decision. It has written to Environment Minister Hilary Benn on behalf of members who are worried the consequences of this move will be significant disruption to livestock trade across the border at this time of year.

NFUS vice-president Nigel Miller said: "Before the protection zone is extended, it is important to put the evidence base for the decision into the public domain. In doing so, several key questions must be answered by Mr Benn. What is the rationale for exposing a new area to the risks of importing bluetongue during September when neighbouring disease risk is low and the full benefit of immunity from vaccination will not be seen until early winter?

"What has been the vaccine uptake in the various zones as they have been rolled out and what is the projected uptake of vaccine in Northumberland and Cumbria?

"Producers will also want to know if there is a positive cost benefit analysis to support the September 1 extension of the vector (midge)-free period this winter?"

Dr Karen Smyth, rural development manager of the Scottish Rural Property Business Association (SRPBA), discussed contingency plans on the movement of animals from the protection zone to slaughter in Scotland. There was agreement from the stakeholders this should be allowed under considered terms and conditions. SRPBA are supportive of this measure."

Hinting at reservations about the vaccination programme, she added: "It is likely that it will begin within the vector-free period through winter 2008/09 on the understanding this may be reviewed depending on developments in England.

"The date at which the campaign will be introduced will be in the best interests of our livestock sector in Scotland.

"Being designated as a protection zone will bring with it considerable commitments, eg: bluetongue vaccinations and boosters will have to be administered for a number of years, and it will not be possible to remove that protection zone status without at least two clear years free of bluetongue.

"Therefore careful consideration must be given before we enter the protection zone."