Bluetongue vaccines now available for use in UK

Bluetongue vaccines for both cattle and sheep have been given official approval for use in vet practices across the UK.

The vaccines, which are available from Zoetis and MSD Animal Health, were developed in response to concerns Bluetongue virus could reach the south of England later this year.

The disease, which is spread by biting midges, is already present in France and it is expected to arrive in the UK when infected midges are blown across the Channel.

Westminster’s deputy chief veterinary officer, Simon Hall, said: “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.”

The virus causes mild febrile disease in cattle and a milk drop in dairy cows.

It has a more severe impact on breeding sheep causing facial swellings, which lead to difficulty in breathing and death.

Mr Hall said the vaccination must be given by injection twice, three weeks apart, in cattle and sheep.

This means it can take up to six weeks for the animal to be fully immune.

SAC Consulting’s head of veterinary services, Brian Hosie, said although Bluetongue posed little risk to Scotland at present, the availability of the vaccine south of the border would benefit all producers across the UK.

“Use of the vaccine on cattle and sheep holdings in the south of England should help to prevent the disease gaining a foothold in Britain,” said Mr Hosie.

SRUC vet Colin Mason said: “Without doubt the south of England is at potential risk with a much lesser potential risk to Scotland.