Plans for BTV8 vaccination in Scotland
The Scottish Government and Industry Bluetongue Stakeholder Group decided to launch a compulsory vaccination campaign against Bluetongue serotype 8 ( BTV8) in the autumn of 2008, in order to keep Scottish livestock free from the disease.
The campaign started on 3 November 2008. Vaccination of all domestic susceptible animals during the vector-free ('midge-free') winter period was required to ensure that they gained immunity before midge activity resumed in the spring of 2009, when there is again a risk of midges spreading disease from infected animals. First year vaccination of all animals subject to compulsory vaccination was required by 30 April 2009. Compulsory vaccination is now ongoing for all animals born this spring as they become old enough.
The campaign is compulsory for cattle and sheep (except in Shetland), and voluntary (but strongly encouraged) for all other susceptible domestic animals. Owners/keepers are able to administer the vaccine themselves, except where veterinary administration is specifically required (for animals intended for movement out of a BTV8 Protection Zone).
The Scottish Government has secured 12 million doses of vaccine for use by livestock keepers within the first year of the campaign. It is providing support of over £2.6 million (equivalent to half of the manufacturer price) to help keepers meet the costs of the vaccination campaign during the first year. Industry will meet the remaining costs of the vaccine and the total cost of vaccine administration in this and future years.
More details on the campaign and the delivery arrangements, including how keepers can order the vaccine from their veterinary practice, are set out in the Scottish Bluetongue Vaccination Campaign Plan. The plan also includes details of the exact requirements of the compulsory campaign, and exempt categories of animals.
A leaflet on Information for Keepers sets out details of how to obtain the vaccine and how to administer it to livestock. The official vaccine order form is available and must be used by keepers to order vaccine from their vet. These order forms will also be available from veterinary practices. Once vaccine is dispensed, the vet or vet pharmasist will forward the form to Scottish Government to allow the monitoring of vaccine uptake and help enforce the compulsory vaccination campaign.
You may only hold the vaccine on farm for a maximum of 35 days before use. This should be taken into account when arranging a delivery date with your vet or pharmisist.
Information on the State Aid scheme for the Vaccination Campaign can be found here
Vaccination in England and Wales
The whole of England and Wales are now in a bluetongue Protection Zone, and vaccination is permitted. Full details of vaccination and the movement licence conditions in England and Wales can be found on the Department for Food and Rural Affairs website ( www.defra.gov.uk).