Bluetongue: News archive

26 October 2009

Defra and the Devolved Administrations have approved a further Bluetongue surveillance exercise this winter. The survey will take place across the whole of GB, starting from 1 November and running for approximately one month.

It will enable us to get a clearer picture of the BTV8 disease situation, and enable us to detect any potential undetected incursion of new serotypes. The survey will test for all Bluetongue serotypes. See the surveillance page for further information.

7 May 2009

31 March 2009

27 February 2009

Farmers and veterinary professionals are reminded that Bluetongue vaccines should not be used beyond their expiry date.

Intervet have worked with Defra and the Veterinary Medicines Directorate to investigate the possibility of extending the expiry dates on some of the early expiring stocks of vaccine. However, the medicines legislation does not allow for the extensions of shelf lives for products after they have entered the supply chain. This means that extensions are not possible. Livestock keepers should therefore continue to abide by the expiry dates given on the vaccine packaging.

Livestock keepers are reminded that the risk of infection significantly rises with warmer weather, so vaccinating at the earliest opportunity, before the risk of Bluetongue spread increases is paramount. Farmers wishing to order vaccine should speak to their vet as soon as possible.

Details of available vaccines, including usage and cost are available.

Page last modified: 26 October, 2009