News
03.03.2009
Farmers encouraged to vaccinate now
Livestock farmers have been encouraged to vaccinate their animals before turning them out, in a bid to protect British shores from bluetongue.
JAB, a wide group of industry organisations, is urging livestock producers to carry out vaccination as early as possible, so animals are protected before the onset of warmer weather when the risk of infection increases as the midges that carry the disease become more active.
Vaccine manufacturers Merial, Intervet and Fort Dodge are all supplying vaccine and it is available in all veterinary practices across England.
In a joint statement, JAB said: “In 2008 we were very fortunate not to see a re-emergence of the bluetongue virus in England, while France reported a dramatic increase in new cases throughout the year, but we cannot over-emphasise the threat that still hangs over us from this disease.
“Looking at our experience so far, there is a very real risk bluetongue could circulate again in the UK in 2009, either as a result of wind-borne incursion or through animals legally brought into the UK from the Continent, so the need to protect our livestock remains as important as ever.
“We must not forget the severe economic hardship bluetongue caused the farming community when it first hit our shores in 2007. Vaccination remains the only effective tool to protect susceptible animals and farmers should vaccinate as soon as possible.
“The message remains very clear - to protect our industry from this disease ‘don’t hesitate, vaccinate’. We would urge farmers to speak to their vet if they have any questions about vaccination and to order vaccine through their vet as soon as they can.”
