Bluetongue vaccine licensed

Intervet has announced today (Tuesday 1st April) that its bluetongue vaccine, Bovilis^® BTV8 has been granted a license by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD). The license sets out dose rates and treatment regimes, and means that the vaccine can now enter production.

The recommended dose rates for animal over one month of age are as follows:

·         Sheep – 1 x 1ml, injected subcutaneously.

·         Cattle - 2 x 1ml, approximately three weeks apart, injected subcutaneously.

In successive years, re-vaccination should be given two weeks prior to the risk period.

Treated animals should have protective immunity three weeks after the initial course. Bovilis BTV8 should only be administered to healthy animals. Treated stock may have a slight swelling at the site of injection.

The vaccine must be stored at between 2ºC – 8ºC and, once opened, should be used within eight hours. The vaccine is pink and available in 20ml and 50ml bottles.

The license recommends the use of multi injection vaccination systems.  Intervet will be supplying a discounted 1ml vaccination gun into the market.