Bluetongue vaccine could still be a month away despite rise in cases

Farmers could have to wait another month until a bluetongue vaccine could be available for use on farm.

Ceva has announced its bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) vaccine, BLUEVAC-3, could be available to help farmers dealing with 'severe economic losses' from Government restrictions by mid-October at the earliest.

However, bluetongue restrictions have impacted farmers in Suffolk, Norfolk, Kent, Essex, Lincolnshire, Greater London East and Yorkshire following a confirmed number of cases in sheep and cattle, leading to a restriction zone in the movement of livestock in and out of the areas without a licence.

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APHA said more than 65 farm premises have been affected by the virus since August 26.

Ceva, which markets pioneering animal health products, said its inactivated injectable vaccine for immunisation against BTV-3 in sheep and cattle should be on the market to help farmers fighting the disease 'very soon'. 

The animal health company said the vaccine could reduce viraemia, the presence of viruses in the blood, mortality and clinical signs of BTV-3 in sheep.

Viraemia could also be reduced in cattle, Ceva has said. 

The vaccine has been used in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands this summer after more than 4,000 were identified in all three countries since May. 

Craig Wright, ruminant business unit director at Ceva Animal Health, said: "In co-operation with our partner, CZV Vaccines, we have worked tirelessly to bring BLUEVAC-3 to the UK to help fight bluetongue which has the potential to cause severe financial loss to farmers. 

"The availability of an effective vaccine is an essential tool to help suppress future outbreaks by reducing viraemia, preventing mortality and reducing the clinical signs of BTV-3."

Baroness Hayman of Ullock, Biosecurity Secretary confirmed the Government had granted permission for three unauthorised BTV-3 vaccines to be used in England earlier this month, subject to a licence.

Gordon Hickman, head of exotic disease control at Defra, said despite the Government's approval of the vaccines, he had warned it could still require time before they are available for use.

Defra said vaccines licences will either be geographically targeted, initially in high risk counties as part of a phased approach, or specifically available through APHA.

Instructions of use

Ceva said its vaccine can be administered from two months of age in sheep and two doses of 2ml should be administered three weeks apart. 

In cattle, the BLUEVAC-3 can be administered from two months of age and two doses of 4ml should be administered three weeks apart. 

Onset of immunity occurs 21 days after completion of primary vaccination in cattle and sheep. 

The vaccine can be used in pregnancy in cows and ewes. 

Moreover, no negative impact on milk-yield after using the vaccine in lactating ewes and cows is expected.   

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