Louping Ill control boost

Sheep farmers concerned about controlling tick-borne louping ill virus because of recent vaccine shortages have received a boost this week with the news that Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health has fast tracked production of new supplies.

A new batch of vaccine has been approved by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) and is now in UK wholesalers, providing relief for many producers farming tick-infested upland pastures.

"Being a unique vaccine we fully recognise the serious difficulties any shortage presents those producers needing to control louping ill, particularly in Scotland," said Intervet/Schering-Plough veterinary manager Alasdair King.

"We have been working with our European colleagues to prioritise production of new supplies of the vaccine and I’m very pleased that we have been able to react so quickly to industry concerns about the potential shortage this year."

Sheep producers keen to secure supplies of vaccine for their flock should contact their vet or usual animal health product retailer as soon as possible. The new vaccine batch only has a three month shelf life, which means sheep need to be vaccinated before August.