Guidance

Bluetongue: general licence for vaccination against the disease

General licence to allow farmers to vaccinate their animals against bluetongue.

From:
Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and Animal and Plant Health Agency
Published
23 August 2012

Documents

Bluetongue general licence for using inactivated vaccine in a bluetongue-free area

Ref: EXD568(BT)E

PDF, 65.1 KB, 1 page

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Details

This general licence allows farmers to vaccinate their animals against bluetongue virus in areas that are outside a restricted zone for bluetongue.

You do not need to apply or register to use this licence, but you must meet its conditions.

Types of vaccine

You can vaccinate animals against bluetongue virus serotypes 1, 2, 4 and 8. There is no vaccine available for bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3). 

Bluetongue vaccines are specific to the serotype of the virus. They do not protect against other serotypes.  

You should consult your vet if you are considering vaccinating your animals. You can also take other steps to prevent bluetongue and stop it spreading.

Read more about bluetongue vaccines in the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) Product Information Database: search for ‘Bluetongue virus’ in the ‘Active Substance’ field. 

Getting your animals vaccinated

Bluetongue virus can be transmitted through contaminated needles. Animal keepers and vets should follow good practice when treating and vaccinating animals.   

It can take up to 6 weeks for your animals to be fully immune following vaccination. They may need 2 doses of the vaccine 3 weeks apart.   

Importing vaccines

Vets can apply to the VMD for a Special Import Certificate (SIC).   

The certificate allows keepers to import a safe and effective bluetongue vaccine directly to vaccinate their stock.

Published 23 August 2012

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