Use the housing period to vaccinate against bluetongue

The winter housing period is the ideal time for a health check of all livestock and a convenient time to be administering many routine treatments, advises Merial Animal Health.

And this year, farmers are being urged to remember that despite it not being right on our doorstep, bluetongue could quite literally be waiting in the wings.

"Although we have been bluetongue-free for a couple of years in Wales and England, and vaccination is now voluntary in Scotland," says Merial veterinary adviser Brian Rice, "it is no reason to be complacent. Bluetongue still has the potential to cause a huge amount of damage to the UK livestock industry and vaccination not only gives peace of mind but can protect farmers’ investment."

Vaccines such as BTVPUR AlSap 8 are currently available for purchase in 10, 50 and 100 dose bottles and are available immediately.