The cold weather has reduced midge activity reducing risk of bluetongue infection. However, the threat of bluetongue has not gone away. It is very likely that bluetongue will re-emerge when the weather warms up and midge activity increases. Therefore, please remain vigilant for signs of bluetongue infection.
There are three vaccines available to be used under general licence in England for cattle, sheep, camelids, and goats. These vaccines must be prescribed by a vet, and DEFRA must be notified of vaccination details, including the individual identification for every vaccinated animal. The vaccines do not prevent infection, but do reduce the severity of clinical signs; in Germany, mortality in vaccinated sheep flocks was 1-2% compared with 25-30% in unvaccinated flocks. It is best to carry out vaccination now to establish immunity before bluetongue infection risk increases. Please ring the surgery to chat to a vet about whether you should consider vaccination.
