Bluetongue

In this section you can find out more about Bluetongue - one of the British Veterinary Association’s (BVA) current issues.

Background

Bluetongue is a disease caused by a virus spread by midges, which affects ruminants but not pigs, horses or humans. It is characterised by changes to the mucous linings of the mouth and nose and the coronary band of the foot. Bluetongue is present when it is confirmed by laboratory tests that the Bluetongue virus (BTV) is circulating in an area. It has the potential to cause considerable animal suffering and further devastation to our livestock farming industry.

Current situation

Disease status

Great Britain has remained part of a Protection Zone for BTV8 since our first case of the disease in 2007. In June 2010, the European Commission announced that Great Britain would be classified as a Lower Risk Zone (LRZ) for Bluetongue. This was an important step toward BTV freedom.

In June 2011 the European Commission accepted the case for Great Britain to be given BTV free status. BTV8 zones across England, Scotland and Wales will be removed on 5 July 2011, and all bluetongue restrictions on exporting sheep and cattle from Great Britain will be lifted from this date. This means that a vaccination against BTV8 will no longer be required before export from Great Britain.

The stringent conditions for animals imported from other Bluetongue zones will remain in place. High risk imports will continue to be tested.

Vaccination

Currently the EU Bluetongue Directive only permits vaccination against Bluetongue within a protection zone. This means that when GB is declared free of BTV8, vaccination will no longer be permitted.

Veterinary surgeons should inform clients that should they wish to vaccinate their stock, they should do so before 5 July 2011, when the BTV8 zone is lifted.

It was hoped that the Bluetongue Directive could be amended to permit vaccination in bluetongue free areas; however, these changes at European level have been delayed and are not now expected until Autumn 2011. The Government is continuing to press the Commission to change the rules so that vaccination can be used more flexibly in future. The BVA has issued a statement supporting the Government in their efforts to press the Commission to change these rules.

What the BVA has done

We have joined a range of organisations from across all elements of the livestock sector who have committed to a Joint campaign Against Bluetongue (JAB).
The aim of JAB is to control the spread of the disease. The key to achieving this is the mass vaccination of Bluetongue susceptible animals. England, Scotland and Wales are seeking mass vaccination through a voluntary approach. Vaccination is illegal in Northern Ireland unless authorised by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (Dardni).

The veterinary profession is central to the campaign's success

Authorised vaccines are available from Fort Dodge (Zulvac 8 Bovis), Intervet (Bovilis BTV8) and Merial (BTVPUR AlSap 8) through veterinary surgeons.
Find key vaccination information, including movement certificates, on these pages