First bluetongue vaccine batch ready for farms

May 1 2008 by Emily Beament, The Journal

THE first vaccines for blue- tongue are ready for distribution to farmers in the disease protection zone, environment secretary Hilary Benn announced yesterday.

Livestock farmers in the protection zone, set up around the scores of cases identified in England, are being urged to vaccinate their animals to minimise the risk of the disease spreading.

Use of the vaccine, developed in response to the disease which can be fatal to animals such as cows and sheep, will be prioritised in the protection zone.

As vaccination is only allowed within the protection zone under EU law, the zone will be expanded county by county across England as more vaccine becomes available over the summer.

The first batch of one million doses of the vaccine in 20-dose bottles is available, with a further batch of two million doses in 50-dose bottles expected in the next few days.

The disease, which is spread by midges, first emerged in the UK last September and there are now 127 confirmed cases.

Acting chief veterinary officer Alick Simmons said: “Vaccination offers the only realistic prospect of controlling bluetongue. The release of the first batches of vaccine is very good news.

“However, supplies will build up over the summer and so I want to encourage farmers and veterinarians to order and use the vaccine responsibly. Vaccine can only be obtained if it is intended for immediate use in the priority areas. This will help maximise take-up and minimise the risk of the disease increasing in prevalence and range during 2008.”

Mr Benn said he was pleased that the vaccine had been developed and produced ahead of schedule.

“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’.”

The Joint Action against Bluetongue group (JAB) said it was delighted the company developing the vaccine, Intervet, had produced it more quickly than expected. “This should put livestock keepers in a very good position to protect their animals before midge activity increases as the weather gets warmer,” a statement from the group said.

JAB has been encouraging all livestock keepers to discuss their vaccine requirements with their vets and remind them of the JAB slogan “Don’t hesitate, vaccinate.”

As part of the campaign 60,000 postcards have been distributed to livestock keepers, together with around 1,000 posters.

Information about the campaign is on websites, including NFU Online.

Further information on the bluetongue vaccine is available on the Intervet website.