Defra’s Announces 2009 Plans for Bluetongue Serotype 8

Defra have announced that they will continue to promote voluntary vaccination against Bluetongue serotype 8 (BTV 8) in 2009.

There is a supply of 12 million doses of existing vaccine which Defra will make available for use next year, subject to expiry dates. Defra will not be underwriting further supplies of vaccine in 2009 but livestock keepers can purchase any of the three authorised BTV8 vaccines which is available across the whole of England, from Intervet, Merial or Fort Dodge.

Jane Kennedy, Minister for Farming and the Environment said:

"Although BTV 8 has not been found circulating in the UK this year, we cannot be complacent. In addition to the risk of re-emergence of disease in UK, France has had over 22,000 new cases this year and this presents a serious risk as the disease is spread through midges which can cross the channel and infect animals here. We urge farmers to vaccinate at the earliest opportunity as vaccination remains more important than ever. "