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Bluetongue vaccine now available
sheep
"This disease seriously affects animal health and welfare as well as the productivity of livestock, and vaccination is the key control."
Suppliers say there will be enough vaccine to meet demand
 
A bluetongue vaccine is now available for sheep and cattle in Britain, Defra has confirmed. Farmers are now being urged to seek advice from their vet about whether to vaccinate.

There is a high risk of bluetongue serotype 8 (BTV-8) reaching Britain in late summer this year, due to infected midges being blown across the English Channel from France.

The BTV-8 vaccine needs to be administered twice, three weeks apart, so it can take up to six weeks for the animal to achieve full immunity. Zoetis's Zulvac 8 Bovis and Ovis vaccines and now available and MSD Animal Health is set to deliver its single vaccine Bluevac BTV8 in the next few days.

Both companies say they are confident there is enough vaccine to meet demand.

BVA president Sean Wensley welcomed the news, saying: "This disease seriously affects animal health and welfare as well as the productivity of livestock, and vaccination is the key control.

"We recommend farmers speak to their local vet about the benefit of vaccination, taking into account their locality and individual circumstances. Farmers should not hesitate to seek advice if they have any concerns about their livestock."

Defra is urging livestock keepers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue and report any suspicions to their vet and the APHA without delay.

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.