GovWire

Defras Secretary of State has permitted the use of 3 unauthorised bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) vaccines within the United Kingdom, subject to licence.

Unlike the authorised vaccines for other BTV serotypes, the BTV-3 vaccines claim to reduce viraemia rather than prevent it. This means they may not prevent your animals from being infected or infectious, but (depending on the vaccine) their claims include reduction or prevention of clinical signs experienced or mortality.

For this reason, all movement controls and trade restrictions still apply to vaccinated animals.

Discuss the merits of vaccination for your animals and business with your private veterinarian.

Animal keepers not in a high-risk county should apply for a specific licence (not a general licence), through Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). Check if youre in a high-risk county with the interactive bluetongue virus map.

Veterinarians should read theadvisory notebefore prescribing any BTV-3 vaccine.

The general licence allows the use of BTV-3 vaccines in England only. Governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have not licensed the use of vaccination for BTV-3 but will keep this position under review.