Cattle, sheep, and deer, as well as other ruminants and camelids, are among the animals afflicted by the potentially lethal animal disease that is transmitted by infected biting midges.
A stringent Restricted Zone has been established over the three counties of Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex in response to the discovery of new instances of bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) in over 40 animals over the course of the last week.
Moving ruminants and camelids outside of this zone is now restricted, and farmers are asked to transfer animals only when it is “absolutely necessary” within the zone.
The cattle community in the area has been stressed and concerned by this, but Defra’s approval of the use of three BTV-3 vaccines within the UK has given them some hope.
Licenses are required for the vaccines; these can be either particular licenses that can be applied for through the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) or a general license that is targeted geographically. Defra states that risk evaluations will be used to determine general licencing.
The BTV-3 vaccine that is now on the market is “suppressive, not preventative,” in contrast to prior bluetongue vaccinations.
“This means that, although they may lessen the clinical signs experienced, they will not prevent your animals from becoming infected or infectious,” Defra states. For this reason, vaccinated animals will still be subject to all applicable trade and movement restrictions.”
“The announcement of an emergency authorisation for the BTV-3 vaccines is great news as the bluetongue virus continues to spread,” stated Tom Bradshaw, president of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU). Now, we have to make sure that cattle farmers in the high-risk area have access to adequate resources to use them if they so choose.
“The BTV-3 vaccines inhibit the virus, not prevent it; they do not claim to lower infectivity, but they do seem to lower mortality and the severity of clinical symptoms.
Therefore, they could improve animal wellbeing even though they won’t prevent animals from contracting the disease or lessen its effects on specific animals. Therefore, the movement regulations and licenses that farmers in the Restricted Zone must cope with will not be made easier by the use of these vaccines.
“All livestock keepers are still urged to be on the lookout for any indications of clinical disease and to contact their veterinarian or the APHA right away if they have any concerns.
Additionally, we urge all owners of animals to abide by any demands for APHA testing. In order to guarantee that farmers have access to licenses allowing them to move inside the Restricted Zone, the NFU is still collaborating closely with Defra and APHA.
Defra says livestock keepers should contact their private vet if they want to use any of the available BTV-3 vaccines.
Bluetongue does not affect human health or food safety, but it is a notifiable disease and livestock keepers must report suspected cases to the APHA on 03000 200 301.
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