BT vaccination plan steps up a gear
PUBLISHED: 19:50 08 April 2008 | UPDATED: 08:23 28 March 2014
APRIL 8, 2008: The JAB campaign for mass vaccination against bluetongue can step up
a gear after Intervet announced its vaccine has been licensed for use
in the UK. The news comes as Defra published its roll out plan and
guidance notes for livestock keepers and vets.
In a joint statement industry
stakeholders for JAB said: "We are delighted the product has been
approved by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD). This means we
now have a licensed product to work with, which means the messages
about the vaccine can be much clearer.
"This is a significant
step forward for the campaign, which is aimed at getting farmers behind
a vaccination programme to stop bluetongue in its tracks. Farmers
should identify how much vaccine they need for their livestock, they
should contact their vet about ordering and talk to them about vaccine
availability."
Defra's vaccination roll out plan for the England,
which has been developed by the core group which includes industry
representatives, is another important development.
JAB said
"While the ultimate roll out plan has to remain flexible enough to
accommodate any developments with the virus, it gives a clear
indication to farmers of the current thinking of how the vaccine will
be delivered and it should allow them to start planning for vaccination.
"The
JAB campaign was launched less than a month ago so this news means good
progress is being made and we urge farmers to talk with their vets and
look out for further information about when vaccine will be available
in their county."
