Dear clients,
Bluetongue virus type 8 has been circulating in central France. Although the last outbreak in the UK dates from 2008 farmers are urged to remain vigilant for possible signs of an outbreak of this notifiable disease.
BTV8 can arrive on our shores by 2 means, either through the import of an infected animal or, the most likely scenario, infected midges get blown across the channel by wind. Local spread is estimated to only be about 2 miles a day but with favourable weather conditions midges can get dispersed over 200 miles in a day.
The current forecasts based on weather patterns predict a high likelihood (80%) of an outbreak of BVT8 virus in the southern part of the UK towards the end of the summer.
Minimizing contact between midges and livestock can be achieved by using pour on fly repellents. These will however never deter 100% of midges.
At present there is no mandatory vaccination but vaccine should become available to keepers who wish to vaccinate their stock voluntarily.
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Possible symptoms sheep:
- Fever up to 42°C / 107.6 F
- Swelling of mouth, head and neck
- Nasal discharge and crusts
- Ulcers in mouth and excessive drooling
- Breathing difficulties
- Abortions
- Swelling of the coronary band
- Lameness
- Death ranging between 5 and 80%
Possible symptoms cows:
- Fever up to 40°C / 104 F
- Swelling of head and neck
- Nasal discharge
- Crusts around nose and muzzle
- Excessive salivation/drooling
- Stiffness and reluctance to move
- Depression
- Teat reddening and erosions
- Milk drop
Camelids:
BTV8 in camelids has been studied following previous outbreaks of BTV 8 in Germany and Switzerland. It has been shown that camelids as a whole are quite resistant to infection and those that do get infected have shown virtually no clinical symptoms. This needs to be combined with the fact that the currently available vaccines have not been tested on, or are licenced for the use in camelids to prove they are either safe or effective. Owners that are wishing to vaccinate their stock will need to do this at their own risk and are advised to follow the manufacturer’s protocol as set out for sheep.
Goats:
Goats appear to be less susceptible to infection than sheep and cattle. Symptoms are the same as mentioned for sheep and cattle but are often less obvious. Due to the possible milk drop and the relatively high stocking density of dairy goats we would advise especially dairy goat farmers to consider vaccinating their stock using the protocol for sheep. This would mean off licence use of the currently available vaccines.
Vaccination options:
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Vaccine brand: |
MSD “Bluevac BTV8” |
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Zoetis “Zulvac 8 ovis” / “Zulvac 8 Bovis” |
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Type: |
Inactivated |
Inactivated |
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Species: |
Sheep |
Cattle |
Sheep |
Cattle |
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Dosage: |
2 ml SC |
4 ml SC |
2ml SC |
2ml IM |
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Earliest starting age: |
10 weeks |
10 weeks |
6 weeks |
12 weeks |
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Primary course: |
2 injections 3 weeks apart |
2 injections 3 weeks apart |
2 injections 3 weeks apart |
2 injections 3 weeks apart |
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Cover starts: |
20 days after primary course |
31 days after primary course |
25 days after primary course |
25 days after primary course |
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Cover period: |
1 year |
1 year |
1 year |
1 year |
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Package sizes: |
TBC |
TBC |
100ml/50 doses |
100ml/50doses and 20ml/10 doses |
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Withdrawal periods: |
0d |
0d |
0d |
0d |
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Price: |
TBC |
TBC |
TBC |
TBC |
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The vaccines have been approved to be used in pregnant sheep/cows and should have no negative effect on milk yields in these species.
A slight increase in body temperature up to 1.0 °C lasting no more than 48h is common after vaccine use. Other complications are very rare and can include small injection nodules and temporary loss of appetite.
Please be advised that should you wish to pursue protection through the vaccines that vaccinations would need to be started in July to ensure protection in September. The practice will need to order doses which will be allocated on a first come first serve basis.
Should you have more questions please feel free to contact the surgery or attend the local information meeting organised by the NFU/BVA at 14:00 on July 15th at the Cotswold Agricultural Centre in Cirencester.
P.S.
We are looking for future topics for our farmer meetings, should you have a specific topic you would like to see addressed please let us know on farm, by phone or in writing.
Kind Regards,
Tyndale Farm Veterinary Practice