Blue-tongue outbreak - SUPPORT AVAILABLE
The current blue-tongue outbreak that is affecting sheep, goats, cattle and camelids (llamas, alpacas etc) in North Devon is likely to have severe practical and emotional effects on many in the farming and related industries, as well as people who have these animals as pets/small herds.
There is a lot of help out there, so PLEASE contact someone if you are struggling. Don't be embarassed or think your issue is not important enough - reach out, as help is available. Remember too that there is no impact on human health, and people cannot get blue-tongue. Also, it is passed not from animal-to-animal contact but via midge bites.
For practical and emotional support:
Exmoor Hill Farming Network (EHFN) Office: 01643 841455 Katherine Williams: 07970 795808
Farming Community Network (FCN) Helpline: 03000 111999
RABI 24hr Helpline: 0800 1884444
Your vet will be able to give practical advice on vaccinations, treatment etc.
There is also the Samaritans 24hr Helpline: 116 123
You can also call or email your Parish Clerk (Ian Fisher, 07784 177666 clerk@northmoltonparish.gov.uk) as he is engaging with the EHFN.
It is also important to keep checking up on friends and neighbours - just because someone is not talking about the issue, it doesn't mean that they may not appreciate some help. A cuppa and a chat could be just what they need to get a few things of their chest and feel better able to cope.