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Enzootic abortion vaccine supply issues announced
Ceva Animal Health says it is treating the issue with the “utmost urgency”.
Supply gap to affect UK this summer.

Ceva Animal Health has announced that there will be a gap in the supply of its enzootic abortion of ewes (EAE) vaccine Cevac Chlamydia between June and August.

The company has said the issue has been caused by a batch failure during the manufacturing process and that it deeply regrets any inconvenience caused.

Last year also saw a shortage of the vaccine in the UK, which Ceva Animal Health blamed on delays in the manufacturing and distribution process. The issue was resolved by September and the company again hopes that the vaccine will become available later in the year.

Roy Geary, Ceva Animal Health’s regional director for Northern Europe, said: “Our dedicated team is working closely with our partners to resolve the challenges and restore normal supply levels as soon as possible. The vaccine challenge is being treated with the utmost urgency, and we are actively exploring alternative options to speed up the supply chain for future batches of the vaccine.

“We anticipate that the issue in supply will be resolved, with some stock potentially available later in the season, however we recognise that for some farmers the supply will arrive too late for them to use.”

Until the vaccine becomes available again, Ceva Animal Health has recommended that veterinary surgeons look at alternative ways to help their clients protect their flocks.

Mr Geary added: “We are encouraging vets to explore alternative means of safeguarding the health of their clients’ flocks during this period. We recommend implementing robust biosecurity measures and adhering to existing vaccination protocols for other preventable diseases to ensure the overall wellbeing of livestock.

“We will provide vet practices and the wider industry with regular updates as we progress toward a resolution and return to normal supply levels.”

Image © Shutterstock

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New guidelines published for wildlife disease surveillance

News Story 1
 A set of international guidelines for disease surveillance in wildlife has been updated for the first time since 2015.

Released by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and the World Organisation for Animal Health, General Guidelines for Surveillance of Diseases, Pathogens and Toxic Agents in Free-ranging Wildlife is designed to help wildlife authorities and others working with wildlife carry out effective surveillance programmes.

The document, which cover areas including choosing appropriate strategies, safety and biosafety protocols, and ethical and legal considerations, can be read here.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Restricted zone extended after more bluetongue cases

After three new cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 were detected along the Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire border, the restricted zone has been extended.

The zone now includes Buckinghamshire and part of Berkshire, as well as Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, City of Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Sussex, Essex, Greater London, part of Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, part of Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, part of Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Suffolk, Surrey, and West Sussex.

Susceptible animals in the restricted zone should only be moved if it is essential. A specific licence is needed to move a susceptible animal from within the restricted zone to outside of the zone.

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. Suspected cases must be reported on 03000 200 301 in England or 03003 038 268 in Wales. In Scotland, suspected cases should be reported to the local field services office. In Northern Ireland, suspected cases should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.

A map of the areas where restrictions apply can be found here.