Bluetongue
Current Situation in Scotland
The whole of Scotland is now a BTV8 Protection Zone to allow all parts of Scotland to vaccinate animals against BTV8. The Scottish Vaccination Campaign was put in place at the request of industry. The need to launch the campaign this year was agreed jointly with government and industry given the level of disease threat to Scotland. Minutes of stakeholder meetings and joint Scottish Government/industry statements are available in the stakeholder meetings section.
It is the responsibility of the keepers of sheep and cattle to ensure that the animals are vaccinated against BTV8. Other domestic susceptible species can be vaccinated on a voluntary basis.
Vaccinating domestic susceptible animals during the vector-free ('midge-free') winter period will allow them to gain immunity from BTV8 before midge activity resumes in the spring, when there will again be a risk of midges spreading BTV8 from infected animals. First year vaccination of all animals subject to compulsory vaccination must be completed by 30th April 2009.
More details on the campaign and the delivery arrangements are set out in the Scottish Bluetongue Vaccination Campaign Plan. The plan also includes details of the exact requirements of the compulsory campaign, and exempt categories of animals.
A leaflet on Information for Keepers sets out details of how to obtain the vaccine and how to administer it to livestock.
During the period from 3rd November 2008 to 30th April 2009, sheep and cattle can be sold vaccinated or unvaccinated. A self declaration form developed by industry organisations is now available.
The movement restrictions on domestic trade have been lifted. Further information on the movements of animals is available from the movements section.
In confirming the launch of the vaccination campaign this winter Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment repeated his earlier warning that farmers should avoid buying animals from high risk areas to prevent the spread of bluetongue virus into Scotland.
As with any notifiable disease, if you suspect that your livestock may be infected with bluetongue, you must contact your local Animal Health Office immediately.
The FAQ section provides more detail on the disease situation and the vaccination campaign.
You can obtain bluetongue guidance from your local Animal Health Office. In addition a bluetongue helpline is now operational which can be contacted on 0845 155 3366. Hours of business are 0900 hrs - 1600 hrs, Monday to Friday.