Bluetongue vaccines available for cattle and sheep

Bluetongue (BTV-8) vaccines for sheep and cattle are now available across the UK through vets.

After months of uncertainty about supply, MSD Animal Health and Zoetis said BTV-8 vaccine would be available for cattle and sheep farmers by this month.  

Defra announced on Monday (18 July) that Zoetis’ Zulvac 8 Bovis and Ovis jabs – for cattle and sheep respectively – are available through veterinary practices.

MSD is expected to deliver its Bluevac BTV8 injection – a single vaccine for sheep and cattle – this week.

Risk of an outbreak of bluetongue in the UK will peak towards the end of the summer, when the likelihood of infected midges being blown across the English Channel from France is at its highest.

Since September 2015, 284 BTV-8 cases have been confirmed in France, according to the French Ministry of Agriculture.

See also: Eustice urges livestock producers to consider vaccinating bluetongue

Vaccines are to be given twice – three weeks apart – to sheep and cattle, meaning it can take up to six weeks for an animal to become fully immune to the disease.

Both companies are confident enough jabs will be available for UK cattle and sheep farmers that wish to vaccinate now.

Simon Hall, the UK’s deputy chief veterinary officer, is encouraging farmers to speak to their vets now before deciding whether or not to vaccinate against the disease.

“It’s fantastic news that the vaccine is now available.

“This is the perfect time to talk to your vet as the vaccine is the only effective tool to prevent illness,” he says.

“I am urging our livestock farmers to keep an eye out for any signs of the disease and report any suspicions to their vet and the Animal and Plant Health Agency immediately, so we can work together to reduce the possible spread of bluetongue this summer.”