DAERA has so far received five applications for licences for new bluetongue vaccines in NI, a department spokesperson has said.

Last week, three vaccines for the BTV-3 strain of the viral disease were approved for voluntary use in NI by Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir.

To use the new vaccines in NI, veterinary practices and farmers need to apply to DAERA for licences.

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On enquiry, a DAERA spokesperson confirmed that vaccinating livestock will have no implications for live exports to the Republic of Ireland while NI is bluetongue free.

The vaccines reduce both the severity of the disease and mortality rates in affected animals, but they do not prevent infection or transmission.

Local vets indicate that the cost of vaccination will vary and depends on the supplier, product, and species being covered.

According to the National Sheep Association, vaccination costs run from £2.40 to £5 per dose. Cattle need two doses in a primary course, whereas sheep require one shot.

Speaking at an online event, Sara Pederson from the Wales Animal Health and Welfare Framework Group said there has been “a huge amount of misinformation” about the vaccines.

“We are seeing myths spread about the vaccinations that it doesn’t work, it causes abortions, it causes infertility,” she said.

Pederson said this has hindered vaccine uptake and her advice is to vaccinate livestock before bluetongue infections potentially peak in the UK over the coming months.

“We cannot vaccinate today and expect animals to be fully protected tomorrow. We’ve got to be ahead of the virus and vaccinate and give time for that immunity to build up,” she said.