Gordon Davidson
UK FARMERS need to speak with their vets "sooner rather than later" about the possibility that insect-borne bluetongue virus might reach their livestock over the summer months.
The latest risk assessment by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs indicates a high risk that, by late summer, there will be a BTV incursion onto the British Isles from France. The situation remains under constant review as the disease develops and the weather warms up, promoting midge activity.
With this in mind, veterinary associations have been involved in discussions with government, farmers’ representatives and manufacturers to ensure that vaccine is available to meet potential demand, particularly in the south of England where risk is highest.
Last Friday, pharmaceutical companies MSD and Zoetis announced that batches of BTV vaccine will be available from mid-July, but that the quantity will "not be unlimited". These vaccines are licensed to prevent viraemia – the presence of virus in the blood – caused by BTV serotype 8, ensuring no onward spread of infection via the blood sucking Culicoides midge.
The vaccines can be used in cattle or sheep, requiring two doses three weeks apart in either species. Immunity is achieved 25 days after the second dose, and is then maintained for a full 12 months.
Vets across the UK have been contributing to the Joint campaign Against Bluetongue (JAB), which aims to make farmers aware of the risk, clinical signs of the disease and what action to take, through speaking at local JAB information events and displaying posters and leaflets in practices.
This week, the British Veterinary Association, the British Cattle Veterinary Association, the Goat Veterinary Society, and the Sheep Veterinary Society all welcomed the vaccine availability announcement, saying that it would help support farmers and smallholders in managing the risk of a bluetongue outbreak.
However, while welcoming the provision of vaccine, the veterinary organisations also sought clarification about the cost and the amount of vaccine likely to be available in July and thereafter.
BVA president Sean Wensley said: “We welcome the announcement that vaccine will be available in time to meet potential demand. This disease seriously affects animal health and welfare as well as the productivity of livestock, and vaccination is the key control.
"While it is good news that vaccine will be available, we know that both farmers and vets will have questions about cost and whether there will a limit to the amount of vaccine available in July. It would be helpful to have these questions clarified as soon as possible.
“We recommend farmers speak to their local vet about the benefits of vaccination, taking into account their locality and individual circumstances. Farmers should not hesitate to seek advice if they have any concerns about their livestock.”
For in-depth news and views on Scottish agriculture, see this Friday’s issue of The Scottish Farmer or visit www.thescottishfarmer.co.uk
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