Vaccine 'guide' available

Mar 6 2008 by Tom Patterson, The Journal

WITH new livestock diseases like bluetongue virus already in the UK, farmers and veterinary surgeons are reminded that the RUMA (Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture Alliance) vaccine guidelines are available free of charge from the RUMA website.

“National outbreaks of disease in a number of species has quite correctly opened up the issue of the use of vaccination to control or prevent diseases,” said RUMA director Dr Tony Andrews.

“It is not RUMA’s remit to enter the debate as to whether or not vaccination in a particular disease should be undertaken. However, its aim is to ensure that any medicine is used effectively and responsibly to ensure the best possible outcome for the health and welfare of the animal, the safety of the public who consume foods from British animals, and to ensure minimal impact on the environment.

“The many vaccines currently in use help ensure the health of our farm animals by ensuring that diseases which would otherwise be present do not occur or are reduced in their severity.

“But effective vaccination requires an understanding of what the vaccine will do.

“Users need to know how to look after the vaccine correctly before and during usage, how to administer it properly and how to dispose of any waste materials after vaccination.”

This information is now free and can be downloaded from the RUMA website www.ruma.org.uk