Wales-Vets speak out on bluetongue.
WALES-
The Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, Dr Christianne Glossop, has written to all vets in Wales about Bluetongue vaccination in 2009. The following is the text of the letter, which may be used for publication:
"As you will be aware, in 2008, the Welsh Assembly Government made available 7.5 million doses of Bluetongue serotype 8 vaccine for use in Wales. This was to ensure that the industry was able to protect Welsh livestock. For a variety of reasons the uptake of vaccine to date has been disappointing at around 25%, apart from in the south-east of Wales (70%). As spring approaches I would urge the industry to vaccinate as many of their livestock as possible to ensure the highest level of protection.
"I understand that some farmers and vets had concerns about the possibility of adverse reactions resulting form use of Bluetongue vaccine last autumn. The three Bluetongue vaccines authorised for use in the UK are killed vaccines. All adverse reactions reported have been investigated and to date there has been no real evidence of problems relating directly to the use of vaccine. With the lambing season underway, it would be wise for sheep farmers to consider how and when to incorporate vaccination into their management routines in the coming weeks.
"While the higher use of vaccine in Eastern England may have reduced the chance of virus transmission, the risk remains in 2009. In France in 2008 there were over 23,000 cases of BTV-8. To ensure that BTV-8 does not become endemic in GB we must aim at the highest possible levels of immunity in our cattle and sheep in 2009. If there are cases in 2009, unvaccinated animals will continue to be at risk. Immunity takes up to 21 days after completion of the primary vaccination course so waiting until cases are disclosed may be too late to protect stock.
"For these reasons I am urging farmers to vaccinate now. This message is being communicated to all farmers: those who vaccinated last year, those who planned to delay vaccination until the spring, and those who have not yet decided to vaccinate.
"All this is in the context that farmers should discuss health management of their animals with you, their veterinary surgeons. You are in the best position to know your clients’ needs and will tailor advice to specific situations. I would ask you, however, to approach farmers now to discuss vaccination so as to ensure that we achieve the best possible protection for our livestock in Wales."
The letters are being sent to all veterinary practices in Wales on 17 February 2009 as part of a wider communications exercise designed to encourage Bluetongue vaccination before the spring.
