There have been no new outbreaks of Bluetongue (BTV-8) reported so far this year in the UK. This has been largely due to the widespread use of vaccines across the UK, particularly in the highest risk areas in the South of England.  In Scotland the compulsory vaccination campaign has been universally supported and has ensured near comprehensive vaccine cover and therefore a good state of protection from the disease.  This remains important as the disease continues to rumble away on the continent and pose serious problems for the livestock sector there.  Of particular concern is the appearance of a second strain of Bluetongue virus, BTV-1, to which current vaccines do not provide protection.  While the risk to Scotland from this strain is low at moment its movements are being closely monitored.  The biggest risk to Scotland from both strains of Bluetongue continues to be the legal importation of infected stock and we continue to urge producers to avoid replacement stock from the continent at this time.

Vaccination of Young Stock.

 Vaccination of all sheep and cattle remains compulsory in Scotland.  The following rules apply to any animal that did not receive a primary course of vaccine this winter (eg spring born lambs and calves).

• All lambs and calves which are intended to be retained on farm must have completed the primary vaccination course before they are 6 months of age. For lambs this involves a single injection while calves require two injections both of which must be given before 6months.
• Any animal which is over 3 months old and is moved off the holding of its birth for reasons other than direct to slaughter or to slaughter via market must have completed the primary course before doing so.
• Animals being sent direct to slaughter or to slaughter via market that are under 6 months old do not require vaccination (generally this rule will only apply to early finishing lambs).

Animals which are potentially going to be sold for export must be vaccinated and certified by a Veterinary Surgeon at least 60 days prior to the export date or undergo blood tests to prove vaccination. If this is likely to affect you then we recommend you consult your usual vet at the earliest possible date.

Booster Vaccination of Adult Stock During Vector Free Period.

All adult stock that received the primary vaccine course in the vector free period last winter must be given a booster vaccine within 12 months and during this years vector free period which is likely to run between November 2009 and March 2010. This is a single dose for both cattle and sheep. The vaccines are thought to be compatible and any of the available vaccines can be used to boost immunity no matter which was used for the primary course. No data is yet available for concurrent use with other vaccines (eg. BVD) and current advise is to separate the use of different vaccines by 14 days to ensure maximum immune response.

 Young stock which receive their primary course this summer do not need a booster until 12 months. However, if they are intended to enter the breeding flock/herd it may be more convenient to boost them along with the main herd/flock this winter for management purposes, this is safe to do so.

 Vaccines Available.

 The Scottish Government continue to support half of the manufacturing cost of the Merial vaccine, however, it remains available only in 100 dose bottles. Other vaccines are available which have some advantages in use and are available in smaller bottle which may be economic for smaller batches of stock. There are currently three vaccines available. These each vary slightly in their instructions for use, the main points are summarised below:

 Merial BTV PUR8
Wholesalers down to the last 250,000 doses of the subsidised vaccine
Earliest age at which vaccination can started: 12 weeks
Vaccination Interval (cattle): 4 weeks
Dose Volume: 1ml
Route of Administration: Subcutaneous
Bottle Sizes Available: 100ml only
Cost Per Dose (excl. VAT): 45p

 Intervet Bovilis BTV8
Earliest age at which vaccination can started: 4 weeks Vaccination Interval (cattle): 3 weeks
Dose Volume: 1ml
Route of Administration: Subcutaneous
Bottle Sizes Available: 20ml and 50ml
Cost Per Dose (excl. VAT): 65p

Fort Dodge Zulvac 8
Earliest age at which vaccination can started: Vaccination Interval (cattle):
Dose Volume: 2ml
Route of Administration: Intramuscular
Bottle Sizes Available: 20ml
Cost Per Dose (excl. VAT) : 74p

All three vaccines must be used as per the manufacturers instructions and be kept refrigerated prior to use. Once any bottle has been opened it must be used within 8 hrs. Prices quoted are correct at time of writing but are subject to change depending on the price from the manufacturers, for up-to-date prices please contact your usual surgery.

The Future.

 No clear exit strategy for the compulsory vaccination program has been announced and it is likely it will remain in place for the foreseeable future. However, vaccination remains our best protection from Bluetongue and vigilance in its application is vital to ensure the health and productivity of our livestock.