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Bluetongue and Bovillis BTV8
Bluetongue disease (BT) is a growing concern
for all farmers in Britain. Although we haven't had
a case in this area yet, it is probably only a matter
of time before it appears in the North West.
Intervet has been commissioned by DEFRA to produce and
supply 22.5 million doses of BT vaccine which is hoped
will be available in spring.
Intervet has produced a powerpoint presentation
describing the disease and vaccination. It is designed
to be presented by a vet to explain some aspects in
detail. If you have any questions regarding this presentation
please contact the surgery.
DEFRA has recently published their vaccination
plan (opens in new window ). Under European law,
animals outside the protection zones (PZ) cannot be
vaccinated. If this occurs, a PZ will be set up in the
vaccinated farm's area and the related movement restrictions
will come into action.
Many people have asked about vaccination
and although its not possible at the moment, if this
area becomes a PZ, we need to be ready to order vaccine
ASAP. To that end, we are keeping a register of farmers
who intend to vaccinate and the numbers of vaccine they
require. Please phone the surgery if you want to be
included.
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