Joint Campaign Against Bluetongue Launched - Don’t Hesitate, Vaccinate
Friday, 28 March 2008
With the end of the vector-free period and the threat of more cases of bluetongue, organisations from across all elements of the livestock sector have come together to launch a Joint campaign Against Bluetongue (JAB), with the strapline ‘don’t hesitate, vaccinate’.
The organisations involved, which represent livestock farmers, livestock markets and meat and dairy processing as well as the veterinary profession, all fully support the joint industry/Defra vaccination plan for bluetongue and are committed to working together on the campaign to achieve the mass vaccination of bluetongue susceptible animals, including goats and camelids.
JAB is now embarking on a major campaign to urge all farmers with susceptible livestock to vaccinate their animals as soon as vaccine is available and the BVA, along with our relevant specialist divisions, is committed to ensuring that vets have all the information in advance so that they are in a position to deal with their clients’ questions.
According to BVA President Nick Blayney: “Colleagues should be aware and look out for meetings being organised around the country, courtesy of the VLA and others, and led by vets where they can learn the latest information. The BVA website also carries useful and up-to-date information and links. Practices are seen as the cornerstone of vaccine delivery, proper usage and monitoring for efficacy and BVA would encourage them to offer their clients the ability to register an interest in vaccine supply in advance of its arrival. Such a forward order book will speed up the delivery of the vaccine once it is available.
“The emergence of bluetongue is a completely new challenge for vets and their clients and profession must do all it can to assist in combating it.”
Notes for Editors
1. For further information please contact the BVA Press Office on 020 7908 6340 or media@bva.co.uk
2. List of JAB supporters:
British Veterinary Association (BVA)
British Cattle Veterinary Association (BCVA)
Sheep Veterinary Society (SVS)
National Farmers’ Union (NFU)
National Beef Association (NBA)
National Sheep Association (NSA)
Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF)
Country Land and Business Association (CLA)
Tenant Farmers Association (TFA)
Livestock Auctioneers Association (LAA)
British Meat Processors Association (BMPA)
Association of Independent Meat suppliers (AIMS)
Dairy UK
3. See the dedicated JAB page
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