Welsh Ministers have agreed to licence three Bluetongue (BTV-3)
vaccines for emergency use across Wales.
Welsh Government has worked closely with farming industry
representatives who have requested all three BTV-3 vaccines be
licenced for use in Wales. An online general licence will be
available for vaccine use in Wales from 1stMarch.
The vaccines will be available on prescription and sold from
veterinary practices and can be administered by livestock keepers
themselves, following appropriate guidance.
This decision follows the continued spread of Bluetongue virus
(BTV-3) cases in England since August 2024. On 4 September 2024,
three unauthorised BTV-3 vaccines received Defra Secretary of
State permission for emergency use in the UK. The vaccines
were licenced for use in England last year and Welsh Ministers'
decision to grant a licence means they can now be used in Wales.
Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, Dr Richard Irvine, said:
"This decision to licence these vaccines was informed by our
recent risk assessment indicating that Wales is now at high risk
of experiencing an incursion of Bluetongue this year. Our primary
aim is to keep Bluetongue out of Wales through biosecurity,
vigilance and safe sourcing of livestock.
“Wales remains free of BTV-3, but it is important to be prepared.
Vaccines give Welsh farmers an important tool to reduce any
impact of this disease in their herds and flocks.
“I would encourage farmers considering vaccination to consult
their veterinary surgeon to discuss whether vaccination is
appropriate for their livestock.”
Key information for farmers:
- Vaccines must be prescribed by a veterinary surgeon.
- Costs must be covered by livestock owners.
- Spring vaccination is recommended for optimal protection,
ensuring animals are protected before peak midge activity in
summer and autumn.
- Detailed vaccination records must be maintained for 5 years.
- Individual animal vaccination details must be reported within
48 hours: Animal keeper reports of
BTV-3 vaccination activity
Notes to editors
Bluetongue is a viral disease of ruminants (cattle, sheep, deer
and goats) and camelids (llamas and alpacas). It is spread by
biting midges.
Bluetongue does not pose a risk to public health or food safety.
Your local Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) office should be
contacted immediately on 0300 303 8268 if you suspect
notifiable disease, including Bluetongue in your animals. APHA
vets will investigate suspected cases.
Further information on the clinical signs of Bluetongue and
action to be taken can be found here: (Bluetongue virus (BTV) |
GOV.WALES)
Under the Bluetongue (Wales) Regulations 2008, no person may
vaccinate an animal against Bluetongue unless a specific or
general licence permitting the use of inactivated or live
attenuated vaccines has been granted by the Welsh Ministers,
following the result of a specific risk assessment.
