A vaccine for bluetongue, the disease which affects sheep and cattle, is now available to Kent farms.

Outbreaks of the disease were reported in the Ashford and Sevenoaks areas last year and Kent and West Sussex were included in an exclusion zone which was imposed on most of the south east and East Anglia.

The government has announced that a million doses of the vaccine are now available through vets.

Even people with just a couple of goats have been urged to get them treated.

The disease, which is non-contagious but spread by midges, is most severe in sheep but cattle, goats and deer are also susceptible. Symptons include a fever, swelling, lameness and sometimes discolouration of the tongue, hence the name.

RAMSAK, a rural network for farmers and land owners across Kent and Sussex, has put together teams to carry out the vaccinations for any size of flock or herd.

Spokesman Chris Smith, said: “The disease requires control due to the fact that the sheep in the area could suffer from 40 per cent death rate and cattle a similar level, so all require vaccination as soon as it becomes available.”

Environment Secretary Hilary Benn said: "The success of our control and vaccination strategy will ultimately depend on the industry itself, and I strongly support the industry-led campaign to promote vaccination. The message to animal keepers is clear: Don't hesitate, vaccinate".

RAMSAK can be contacted on 01622 815356 or by email at info@ramsak.co.uk