Bluetongue campaign progressing well - phase one almost complete

Good progress has been made with the bluetongue vaccination campaign in Scotland, reports NFU Scotland Vice President Nigel Miller. Most breeding cattle and sheep are now protected having successfully received their jabs as the end-of-April deadline approaches.

Over five million doses had been issued as returns were collected in March, and all the evidence is that the vaccine is very safe; only an extremely low number of suspected adverse reactions have been reported.

"With some animals remaining to be vaccinated, farmers around the country are doing a good job of working vaccination in with other spring tasks and livestock handling," Mr Miller says.

"All cattle should now have had their first injection to make sure the second vaccination is given before the deadline at the end of this month. Sheep, of course, only need one jab," he reminds producers, "and with ewe hoggs coming back from winterings, that flexibility will be really useful in completing the vaccination programme over the next couple of weeks.

"The next challenge is this year’s calf and lamb crop. New calves and lambs this spring and summer will require to be handled and vaccinated," Mr Miller emphasises. "This will mean extra work but it is vital to ensure all youngstock are protected ahead of the highest risk period in August and September."

Scottish Chief Veterinary Officer Charles Milne says: "I am pleased that farmers in Scotland have responded so well. Bluetongue vaccination is going to be a continuing challenge, but it is essential for farmers to make sure their farms are fully protected against the disease and to take advantage of the supported vaccine.

"Vaccination is insurance for farmers’ livestock and businesses, and the fact that every farm across the country is vaccinating provides strong protection for the Scottish livestock industry as whole."

To underpin the compulsory vaccination campaign, the Scottish government secured

12 million doses of BTV 8 vaccine and contributed to the cost. "With phase one almost over, there are further significant stocks of vaccine available to protect the 2009 calf and lamb crop," says Brian Rice, Veterinary Technical Specialist at Merial Animal Health. "Producers can get best value from the supported vaccine by sharing bottles with neighbours or by co-ordinating vaccination of batches of calves and lambs, to avoid waste. Smaller 50ml bottles are now also available from vets, but are not financially supported by the government."