THE Government's remaining stocks of Bluetongue vaccine are being sold off at 50pc discount.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs wants to encourage uptake and get its Merial stocks sold before the expiry date later this year.

Officials want the discount to be passed down the supply chain and expect the price to drop from 66p-79p per ml plus VAT, to 33p-39p per ml plus VAT.

Nigel Gibbens, chief veterinary officer, said: "With midges already active, and the Met Office predicting a warmer summer than last year, conditions for the spread of Bluetongue may be ideal.

"Livestock keepers should take this opportunity to buy their vaccine at a discounted price, before the Government stocks are no longer available."

Farmers wishing to order vaccine should speak to their vet as soon as possible. Ends.