Key Considerations for Veterinary Surgeons 

The veterinary profession is the corner stone of the bluetongue vaccination programme with responsibility for vaccine delivery, proper usage and monitoring for efficacy.

The vaccine is only authorised for use inside Protection Zones (PZ).

Under our care

The vaccine has provisional marketing authorisation and is classified as a POM-V.  As such the vaccine can only be prescribed to animals “under our care” so you should

• if appropriate, satisfy yourself that your clients are competent to administer vaccine
• arrange any necessary visit(s) to check the livestock and premises in order to satisfy the condition “under our care”
• ensure correct numbers of doses for numbers of stock

Moving animals out of PZ 

Livestock keepers are allowed to administer the vaccine to their animals.  However, if the animals are vaccinated in order to be moved out of a Protection Zone for the purposes of domestic or intra-community trade then a level of certification will be required.

Doses

The Intervet vaccine is licensed for sheep and cattle.  Vaccination will consist of one dose in sheep and two doses in cattle given approximately 3 weeks apart.  Full protection is established 3 weeks after the primary course.

Off-label use

If used in other ruminant species it should be administered under the cascade system under the direct responsibility of a veterinary surgeon.  There will be no withdrawal periods if the vaccine is used in goats.

Communication

This vaccine has not previously been used in the field.  A clear line of communication with farming clients is vital to report any suspected lack of efficacy or other suspected adverse reactions. These should be reported to the vaccine manufacturer and/or the VMD through the SARSS scheme.

Distribution & Storage

• The vaccine must be ordered responsibly.  Obtaining the vaccine is licensed and distribution of vaccine will be monitored; it is illegal to order vaccine unless it is intended for immediate distribution to animal keepers for immediate administration in a PZ.
• Your practice may find it useful to establish a list of clients and the number of doses they need, preferably by County so that you can ensure a fair and rapid delivery of vaccine as it becomes available.
• It is essential that the data sheet requirements for the storage temperature are strictly adhered to at all times.