A campaign has been launched encouraging farmers in England and Wales to consult their vet about vaccinating their herd or flock against bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) this spring.
The ‘Battle Bluetongue’ campaign has been developed by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) and Ruminant Health & Welfare (RH&W) in collaboration with key veterinary and industry associations.
Bluetongue continues to pose a threat to ruminant animals, including cattle, sheep, goats, yaks, and camelids, with the disease having a potential impact on health productivity and trade.
There is no treatment for bluetongue, and so prevention through vaccination and the restriction of movement in affected areas is the best way of limiting the disease’s impact on farmers. Signs of bluetongue in animals that farmers can keep an eye out for include fever, difficulty breathing, excessive salivation, and depression.
Dr Amey Brassington, senior animal health and welfare scientist at AHDB said: “Farmers are encouraged to develop farm specific battle plans with the aim to help increase the level of vaccination for high-risk stock to provide some level of defence against the disease on farms.”
Through the campaign farmers are being encouraged to assess their risk; protect their business; and defend their stock.
Independent sheep vet specialist, Fiona Lovatt, of Flock Health Limited, said that BTV-3 vaccination is crucial in reducing disease spread and its impacts on industry and trade.
“Vaccination is the most effective tool we have to protect the national herd and flock against BTV-3, but it requires action now.
“At present vaccination is only licensed for use in England – and Wales from March 1 – however we continue to encourage vets and farmers across the UK to make sure they are aware of how BTV-3 is transmitted, and take caution to protect their herds or flocks by following evidence based on farm midge control tactics.”
