Veterinary medicine supplier Intervet announced yesterday (Tuesday 1st April) that its bluetongue vaccine, Bovilis BTV8, has been granted a licence by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD).

The licence, which is the first for a bluetongue vaccine in the UK, sets out dose rates and treatment regimes for the product use.

The recommended dose rates for animal over one month of age are:

• Sheep - 1 x 1ml, injected subcutaneously.
• Cattle - 2 x 1ml, approximately three weeks apart, injected subcutaneously.

In successive years, re-vaccination should be given two weeks prior to the risk period, it said.

Treated animals should have protective immunity three weeks after the initial course, Intervet explained. Bovilis BTV8 should only be administered to healthy animals. Treated stock may have a slight swelling at the site of injection.

The vaccine must be stored at between 2ºC and 8ºC and, once opened, should be used within eight hours. The vaccine is available in 20ml and 50ml bottles. The licence recommends the use of multi injection vaccination systems.

Intervet confirmed that it will be supplying a discounted 1ml vaccination gun into the market.

Further information will appear on FWi soon.