Bluetongue vaccine also protects lambs, says report

Vaccinating ewes against Bluetongue gives their lambs immunity up to 14 weeks after birth – by which time many are ready for slaughter, according to a new report, being quoted by the NFU and other supporters of the JAB campaign to keep up vaccination against the virus BTV8.

By The Newsroom

Published 26th Feb 2010, 13:47 BST

Updated 26th Feb 2010, 13:47 BST

The Institute for Animal Health monitored an experiment involving booster shots for ewes in East Anglia in November 2008, a month before lambing, at the same time as clostridial/pasteurella vaccine was being administered, and found the protection was passed on.

These were second BTV8 shots which would have been recommended for the ewes anyway, so the NFU says the lamb protection is a bonus incentive.

It says: "A second year free from Bluetongue outbreaks is needed to see the UK declared disease-free and farmers are being urged to keep up their guard and continue with vaccination. The disease is still prevalent in Europe, with more than 700 cases reported last year. Anyone importing animals needs to double check the health and vaccination status of the livestock."

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