BLUETONGUE VACCINATION - DISCUSSIONS WITH VETERINARY WHOLESALERS AND PRACTITIONERS - 22 May 2008
Present:
Charles Milne, Veterinary Division
Mike Lamont, Veterinary Division
Jesus Gallego, Veterinary Division
Martyn Blissitt, Veterinary Division
Neil Ritchie, Animal Health and Welfare Division
Nia Ball, Animal Health and Welfare Division
Prof Julie Fitzpatrick, Moredun Research Institute - by phone
Colin Higham, NVS - by phone
Frank Stephen, BVA Scottish Branch
Calum Cameron, Ark Veterinary Centre, Lockerbie
Robert Anderson, Merlin Veterinary Group, Kelso
John Sproat, Dunmuir Veterinary Group, Castle Douglas
Neil Laing, Clyde Veterinary Group, Lanark
Stephen Cooper, Dunlop's
Introduction
1. CVO (Scotland) opened the meeting with an outline of the current disease situation within Great Britain and the Scottish position on vaccination. In particular, and subject to no change in the disease situation, the intention was to have a compulsory vaccination campaign during the winter vector free period. The Scottish Government is currently, securing vaccine whilst the commercial market develops and would provide support of 50% of vaccine cost for the manufacturer (up to a maximum of £3 million).
2. The purpose of the meeting was to consider logistical matters in support of the effective roll out of vaccine.
Vaccine supplies and storage
3. Key points emerging from discussion were:-
- Wholesalers can generally turn orders round in a day (orders received by 4.00pm for next day delivery).
- Generally no issues with delivery to remote areas but they could emerge if the scale of activity was very high.
- Some concerns as to the emphasis on the 20 millilitre relative to 50 millilitre bottles (guns can only be used for 50 ml).
Action point - issue to be considered in Scottish tender evaluation.
- Practioners had concern as to their capacity to store drugs. Additional fridges can be easily obtained but the key issue is validating the temperature.
- Issue for all producers in terms of forward planning during the vector free period. Larger producers may need to vaccinate (and thus order vaccine) over a number of days.
- Wholesalers could potentially help practices with supply of cold boxes.
Auditing and Monitoring
4. CVO (Scotland) confirmed that the Scottish Government would not expect practitioners to report on animal keepers they knew not to have requested vaccine. However, the Scottish Government would want to record information as to who had ordered vaccine and relevant details - eg numbers of doses, species to be vaccinated etc. Scottish Government will monitor non-compliance.
5. It was important to ensure that owners made realistic orders and practitioners will be asked to consider whether the order is consistent with their knowledge of the number animals kept.
Action point: Consideration to be given to developing a farmer Declaration setting out numbers of stock to vaccinated etc. In addition to monitoring uptake such information will be invaluable for the consideration of efficacy and could also help forward planning.
6. Post vaccination surveillance will be undertaken, details of which are still to be finalised.
7. Guidance will set out the expectation that veterinary surgeons who do not have animals under their care should not dispense vaccine. There was an expectation that they will have seen these animals, in, for example, the previous six months although it is recognised that this could be an issue with regard to the hill sheep flock. It was also important that producers do not over order, including ordering from more than one practice. Action point: Consider if licence allowing vaccine supply can specify that producers can order from only one source.
Other issues
8. Scottish Government will contribute to the costs of vaccine from the manufacturer that final customer will be responsible for all other costs, including distribution. It is important that practices consider their price imposition, BVA will reflect if, in context of competition law, further guidance can be provided.
9. Communication package for farmers and practices needs to be developed. An early message will clarify any misperception that vaccine in Scotland will be available at half price. There is a need to inform farmers of the importance of maintaining the cold chain once a vaccine has been obtained from their vet practice.
10. Scottish Government is engaging with others, particularly auctioneers, to consider what information needs to accompany animal movements.
11. The question was raised as to whether vaccine should be rolled out from South of Scotland to the North. This was considered to be academic given that there is no disease control if vaccination was occurring during the vector free period and if wholesalers confirmed with their ability to provide supplies.
12. Cash flow has been identified as an issue in England. Frank Stephen to consider possible lessons to be learned from BVA colleagues in England.
13. Practioners expecting to run courses on how to vaccinate for their clients. Scottish Government to consider commissioning SAC to provide material for practice meetings. It was noted that there was importance in an update to all practices in July in advance of practice meetings.
14. Vets will be requested to certify the vaccination of any animals moving to a free area.
Action point: Mike Lamont to liaise with VMD as to whether bluetongue vaccine is likely to be prescription only in future years. Clarification also to be obtained on whether bluetongue vaccine can be used simultaneously with other vaccines.
15. Next stakeholder meeting will be to finalise arrangements for the roll out of vaccination campaign, including the treatment of susceptible species not covered by the marketing authorisation.
SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT
May 2008