Intervet’s bluetongue vaccine enters distribution chain

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) have granted Intervet the all clear to begin distributing its bluetongue vaccine, Bovilis® BTV8. The initial batch of one million doses will be in 20ml bottles, with two million doses in 50ml bottles following in a few days.

The vaccine is POM-V and, under EU law, vaccination is only allowed in a Protection Zone, and Defra's vaccination roll-out plan sets out how the vaccine will be distributed to ensure that those livestock most at risk are the first to receive it.

Intervet's Ian Anderson says: "Intervet has been working round the clock to provide vaccine in record time, since Defra placed its order for 22.5 million doses. This first batch will now be delivered ahead of schedule and more doses of the vaccine will be delivered over the next weeks and months. We expect to complete the Defra order by August."