Veterinary Medicines Directorate
The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has, on 4 September, permitted the use of 3 unauthorised bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) vaccines within the United Kingdom. These vaccines cannot be used without an appropriate licence being in place.
Further information on the specific licences granted, vaccines and permit requirements for these products is available on the Defra pages under; Bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) vaccine permits - GOV.UK (publishing.service.gov.uk)
Should you wish to use any BTV-3 vaccine, please contact your private veterinarian.
Further information and updates regarding BTV is available on; Bluetongue: news, information and guidance for livestock keepers - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Pharmacovigilance reporting
Manufacturers of these products are reminded that reports of suspected adverse events after the use of BTV3 vaccines, including suspected lack of efficacy, must be submitted to the VMD within 10 - 15 calendar days of awareness via your electronic reporting system.
If you are a veterinary surgeon or animal keeper you should report a suspected problem within 7 calendar days to either the relevant pharmaceutical company (as detailed on the package leaflet) or to the VMD (Report a suspected problem with an animal medicine or microchip: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)).
For any questions regarding the procedure for reporting adverse events, please use the following email: adve