Last updated 21:54, Wednesday, 09 July 2008

THE NEWS that the Scottish government has placed its order for bluetongue vaccine and the nation’s strategy for dealing with this devastating disease is moving forward has been welcomed by NFU Scotland.

The order for 12 million doses of vaccine, enough for all Scotland’s cattle and sheep, has been placed with the pharmaceutical company Merial. Deliveries are expected to start in August.

Depending on disease developments in England, Scotland may choose to start its compulsory vaccination campaign in the winter.This is when lower temperatures ensure the bluetongue virus and the midges responsible for transmitting it to livestock are both inactive.

NFUS vice-president Nigel Miller said: “This announcement will give comfort to Scotland’s livestock farmers. It also allows for a flexible approach to disease control in Scotland.

“Vaccination is moving ahead at pace in England and Wales and Scottish livestock farmers are hugely reliant on that voluntary programme receiving the full backing of producers in those parts of GB that currently have access to vaccine stocks.Vaccination is the key tool in preventing the disease from getting a foothold in the UK in the next few months.

“Should the disease cross the Scottish border this summer, we now have the tools in place to react. If the disease’s progress is stalled by the vaccination campaign elsewhere in the country, Scottish vaccine stocks will be in place to allow a protective campaign this winter.”

The first delivery of vaccine is expected in August and this will provide a contingency reserve should it be required. The expectation remains that a compulsory vaccination campaign will be undertaken during the winter.