There has been a significant increase in demand for the bluetongue vaccine in the UK, due to recent severe increases in the disease prevalence on the southwest coast.
Bultavo-3 maker, Boehringer Ingelheim, told the Irish Farmers Journal that it is seeking to meet this demand by drawing on stock from across its global supply network.
Four million Bultavo-3 vaccine doses have been received into Ireland, resulting in high vaccination rates in cattle in the southeast, but lower penetration in western areas and in sheep.
Given the significant increase in outbreaks in the UK, Irish farmers should review their farm vaccine status and plan to revaccinate their livestock next season, a spokesperson said.
Vaccination rates have been low in the UK Boehringer stated, hence the risk of outbreaks. Farms that have stock vaccinated can expect clinical protection for one year after completion of the primary course.
Syvazul
Virbac, the maker of the Syvazul bluetongue vaccine, also acknowledged the huge surge in bluetongue cases in the UK over the last three weeks, especially in sheep.
The company told the Irish Farmers Journal that has led to unprecedented demand for the vaccine which they are working hard to fulfil by bringing in product from Europe and expediting orders of UK-labelled stock.
The number of vaccinations sold in the UK so far this year is far above last year due to the urgency of the current outbreak.
"We encourage farmers to order vaccine from their vets, who can then place orders with wholesalers. This allows us to see what the demand is in the market and attain stock accordingly," Virbac said.
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