BT vaccination plan steps up a gear

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."