Blueprints for Bluetongue Vaccination Plan
UK - A Bluetongue vaccination plan in the UK was set out today by Hilary Benn, in a speech to the National Farmer’s Union. The plan follows further cases of the disease on a farm in Belfast, where cows had been recently culled.
19 February 2008
1 minute read
| Hilary Benn |
The plan was developed in conjunction with the representatives from farming and veterinary organisations, devolved administrations and scientific experts on Bluetongue. It sets out how mass vaccination can best be achieved through a voluntary approach, supported by an industry-led promotion campaign, which will allow vaccination to be rolled out as vaccine is delivered.
The UK was the first Member State dealing with the current outbreak in northern Europe to place an order for vaccine. In December, Defra placed an order with Intervet for 22.5 million doses of Bluetongue vaccine and Intervet has indicated that it expects vaccine will begin to be available from May.
In keeping with the principles set out in the Bluetongue Control Strategy, which was developed in partnership with the farming industry, livestock keepers in the Protection Zone will be able to purchase vaccine through their private vets.
We are working with Intervet and veterinary wholesalers on finalising the cost to farmers of individual bottles of vaccine; there may also be additional costs involved in vaccination, such as veterinary administration or supervision.
Further Reading
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- You can visit our Bluetongue information page by clicking here. |
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