The Department of Agriculture has noted that supplies of Bultavo 3 are already available with supplies of Bluevac 3 and Syvazul likely to be available soon.
A sheep exhibiting a mucoid nasal discharge and scabby lesions on its nose, characteristic of blutongue virus.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Department of Agriculture has released its first bluetongue virus update in response to bluetongue virus serotype-3 being confirmed in a suckler cow in Co Wexford. The first case identified is casting a spotlight on the vaccination of animals.
While vaccines were permitted for use in Ireland since December 2025 there has been no real interest reported up to now due to the fact that the virus was not identified south of the border.
Vets report phone calls in recent days from farmers enquiring about vaccine options with the greater interest especially from pedigree breeders in the southeast.
ADVERTISEMENT
There are three vaccines permitted for use under licence in Ireland and Northern Ireland for bluetongue virus serotype-3. These vaccines, which have obtained European Marketing Authorisation for use, do not fully stop infection/disease, but the Department highlights that they greatly reduce viremia (spread of infection) and severity of clinical symptoms.
A cow exhibiting crusting around the nostrils. The virus can be present without clinical symptoms being evident.
It reports that supplies of Bultavo 3, which it says is licensed for use in sheep and cattle are currently available in Ireland.
It adds that supplies of Bluevac 3 (sheep and cattle) and Syvazul BTV 3 (sheep) will be available soon in Ireland.
The Department also highlighted “the duration of the immunity period guaranteed in the specifications of these vaccines has not been determined to date. Therefore, vaccination cannot be currently used to meet EU standard certification requirements”.
Register for free to read this story and our free stories.
This content is available to digital subscribers and loyalty code users only. Sign in to your account, use the code or subscribe to get unlimited access.
The reader loyalty code gives you full access to the site from when you enter it until the following Wednesday at 9pm. Find your unique code on the back page of Irish Country Living every week.
CODE ACCEPTED
You have full access to the site until next Wednesday at 9pm.
CODE NOT VALID
Please try again or contact support.
The Department of Agriculture has released its first bluetongue virus update in response to bluetongue virus serotype-3 being confirmed in a suckler cow in Co Wexford. The first case identified is casting a spotlight on the vaccination of animals.
While vaccines were permitted for use in Ireland since December 2025 there has been no real interest reported up to now due to the fact that the virus was not identified south of the border.
Vets report phone calls in recent days from farmers enquiring about vaccine options with the greater interest especially from pedigree breeders in the southeast.
There are three vaccines permitted for use under licence in Ireland and Northern Ireland for bluetongue virus serotype-3. These vaccines, which have obtained European Marketing Authorisation for use, do not fully stop infection/disease, but the Department highlights that they greatly reduce viremia (spread of infection) and severity of clinical symptoms.
A cow exhibiting crusting around the nostrils. The virus can be present without clinical symptoms being evident.
It reports that supplies of Bultavo 3, which it says is licensed for use in sheep and cattle are currently available in Ireland.
It adds that supplies of Bluevac 3 (sheep and cattle) and Syvazul BTV 3 (sheep) will be available soon in Ireland.
The Department also highlighted “the duration of the immunity period guaranteed in the specifications of these vaccines has not been determined to date. Therefore, vaccination cannot be currently used to meet EU standard certification requirements”.
If you would like to speak to a member of our team, please call us on 01-4199525.
Link sent to your email address
We have sent an email to your address. Please click on the link in this email to reset your password. If you can't find it in your inbox, please check your spam folder. If you can't find the email, please call us on 01-4199525.
ENTER YOUR LOYALTY CODE:
The reader loyalty code gives you full access to the site from when you enter it until the following Wednesday at 9pm. Find your unique code on the back page of Irish Country Living every week.
SHARING OPTIONS