Vaccination in Scotland
This section provides more detail about the voluntary Bluetongue vaccination programme in Scotland.
Veterinary practices are the corner stone of this programme with responsibility for vaccine delivery, proper usage and monitoring for efficacy.
Due to the success of the compulsory vaccination programme in 2009, vaccination in 2010 is voluntary. Livestock owners are encouraged to vaccinate their animals and remain vigilant for signs of the disease.
The Scottish Government has a Bluetongue Stakeholder Group to communicate directly with stakeholders about issues surrounding the bluetongue virus.
Who should administer the vaccine
Livestock keepers are allowed to administer the vaccine to their animals. However, there are certification requirements for the movement of vaccinated animals. Further, if used in other ruminant species it should be administered under the cascade system under the direct responsibility of a veterinary surgeon.
Movement of livestock into Scotland
Any keepers sending susceptible animals to Scotland should be aware of the Scottish Government movement requirements.
Uptake and cost of the vaccine
To monitor uptake the vaccine order forms given to veterinary surgeons will also be submitted to the Scottish Government.
The cost of the vaccination campaign will be shared.
The Scottish Government will fund 50% of the manufacturing costs of the vaccine (£2.6 million) for the first year of the vaccination programme.
Industry will foot the remainder of the vaccine cost and other delivery costs, such as veterinary administration.
The Scottish Government will meet the costs of surveillance, monitoring and enforcement.
Further information