Press Release - Breeders can protect stock from bluetongue risk if they place their vaccine order early

Breeders can protect stock from bluetongue risk if they place their vaccine order early. Cattle breeders should not abandon their anti-bluetongue precautions just because Scotland has adopted a voluntary approach to controls over 2010.

This is the advice of Iain Mathers, chairman of NBA Scotland, who is urging fellow cattle owners not to waste the cost and effort of last year’s compulsory programme by giving up on BTV8 controls altogether.

“Breeding cattle, including replacement young stock, should be the main target for booster vaccinations because there is still a substantial risk of BTV8 re-emerging in Northern Europe once midges become active in mid-March”, he explained.

“All cattle received their primary injections last year, so this year most stock will only require one jab to maintain immunity levels and retain full protection and the voluntary programme means farmers can vaccinate their breeding stock when it suits them.”

“Merial is the only manufacturer supplying vaccine on veterinary centre shelves and breeders should take advantage of this and order their vaccine as soon as possible.”

“They can be free from the worry of damage to their breeding herds and young stock over 2010 at a reasonable cost as a result of last year’s effort if they get their orders in early and protect their stock before any danger is present.”

For more information contact:

Iain Mathers, chairman NBA Scotland.  Tel. 07801 746600.