Livestock farmers in Northern Ireland (NI) are being urged to seek professional veterinary advice before administering a bluetongue vaccine.
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has permitted the voluntary use of three bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) vaccines in Northern Ireland, subject to licensing.
The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) agricultural spokesperson, Carla Lockhart said that thankfully, NI remains a bluetongue-free zone.
“DAERA is actively conducting surveillance sampling in abattoirs to declare freedom from the disease,” Lockhart said.
“Officials are also using the Met Office’s hazard manager maps, and midge traps are in operation at seven inland and coastal sites across NI.”
Vigilance
She reiterated that vigilance and strict biosecurity measures are key, especially as the disease threat from infected midges is heightened during the warmer summer months.
“Clinical signs or symptoms of the disease should be reported to a vet or the local divisional veterinary office immediately,” Lockhart said.
“Incidence of the disease in the UK has predominately affected sheep and cattle, while goats, deer and camelids such as alpacas and lamas are also susceptible species.”
While the decision to allow the use of BTV-3 vaccines will give flock keepers and herd owners an additional safeguard against the disease, Lockhart said it is important to note that the medicine will not prevent infection or transmission.
“Vaccination does have a role in managing disease severity,” she said.
“Farm vets and livestock farmers must apply to DAERA for a licence to use a BTV-3 vaccine. The three approved inactivated vaccines are authorised for use throughout the UK and the EU.”
She added that the decision to vaccinate is a “personal choice, but I would strongly advise farmers to seek expert advice from their private vet”.
“Farmers will be responsible for all associated costs, and if applicable, they are responsible for adhering to the necessary trade and export requirements,” she said.
“There are a number of factors to be aware of, especially concerning vaccinated animals.
“Using vaccines may limit the use of negative serology tests for germinal product certification to some third countries, requiring PCR tests.
“Some certificates for third country (non UK or EU) exports are already affected because they require UK BTV-3 freedom.
“While Northern Ireland remains BTV-3 free, vaccinated animals are eligible for slaughter; and breeding sheep and cattle can be sold to the EU for breeding and production.
“The use of vaccination has no impact on the trade or movement of meat and dairy products to the EU. However, complications may arise if NI loses its bluetongue freedom.”
The movement of animals from Great Britain to NI remains suspended, Lockhart noted.
