Bluetongue Vaccine - Situation in Scotland

Scotland has announced it will order 12 million doses of vaccine.

The tender for this closes on May 27. The Scottish Government expects to announce the winning bid at the end of June or start of July. 

The Scottish Vaccination campaign will be compulsory, and, subject to disease spread, will be carried out during the vector-free period next winter. This will reduce the risk of disease spread to Scotland before livestock are fully protected.

Until a vaccination campaign is launched by the Scottish Government it is illegal to obtain or use bluetongue vaccine in Scotland. Any illegal use will threaten Scotland’s disease-free status and result in live animal exports being banned. This can be punished by fines of up to £5,000 or six months in jail.

Any keepers receiving animals from a bluetongue Restricted Zone must complete a post movement notification form.

This is used by the Scottish Government to monitor the number of moves, to conduct post movement compliance checks and to inform future activities such as risk assessments.  

Further information is available from the Scottish Government.

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Return to the Joint campaign Against Bluetongue