Merial supplies first BTV8 vaccine to reach livestock in Europe

French veterinarians have now vaccinated the first sheep and cattle against bluetongue virus serotype 8 (BTV8). They are the first animals in Europe to be protected against BTV8; they were given a Merial vaccine.

This represents the first part of a 200,000 dose order announced by the French Ministry of Agriculture and Fishing on 4 March.

BTV8 is the serotype that is threatening the U.K. This latest vaccine joins Merial's existing roster against BTV serotypes 2, 4 and 9.

The picture shows BTV8 vaccination with the Merial vaccine taking place recently in Central France.