New social media campaign to dispel bluetongue vaccine myths
© Tim Scrivener Farmers in Wales are being urged to vaccinate their livestock against bluetongue as uptake stalls, amid growing concerns that misinformation is deterring action.
A new Wales based industry-led social media campaign now aims to dispel misconceptions about any potential impacts of the vaccine and help increase uptake on Welsh farms.
Running under #donotwaitvaccinate, the campaign is led by the Wales Animal Health and Welfare Framework Group, including the Wales Veterinary Science Centre (WVSC) and Iechyd Da.
See also: Farmers urged to use bluetongue vaccination tool
The campaign is also encouraging farmers to share videos explaining why they have vaccinated their herds and flocks to help alleviate concerns.
Vaccine uptake
Welsh government figures indicate that the current uptake of the bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) vaccine in Wales has seen vets prescribing the vaccine for 127,093 animals, including 84,737 cattle, 41,141 sheep, 199 camelids, and 1,016 goats.
Animal keepers themselves have also reported vaccination of 53,531 animals, including 30,151 cattle, 23,035 sheep, and 345 others including camelids and goats.
Addressing misconceptions
The online campaign addresses misconceptions, including concerns that the vaccine increases the risk of abortions.
Sara Pedersen from the Wales Animal Health and Welfare Framework Group said: “There is urgency to vaccinate now as it takes time to build up immunity and for stock to be fully protected.”
The WVSC also encourages vets to promote BTV-3 vaccination of livestock in Wales and told Farmers Weekly that with the increased threat of the virus over the coming months, protection of stock through vaccination is paramount.
“We would actively encourage them [farmers] to discuss any concerns with their vet so they can reassure them as to the benefits of protection of their stock moving forward,” said Claire Jones, WVSC veterinary investigation officer.
Cost effective
Frances Jones from Aeron Vets in west Wales highlighted on Facebook that vaccinating livestock could cost less than replacing them.
“In a world of uncertainty, our client has said that vaccine is a bit like insurance – expensive until you have a claim on it.
“I highly recommend you have a chat with your vet about what the best options for your farm are,” said Ms Jones.
It is understood that vaccines cost from about £2.50 a dose.
The Welsh government is reminding both vets and keepers to report vaccination via the online form.
Report the prescription of a BTV-3 vaccination at GOV.UK for vets, and report your use of the bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) vaccine at GOV.UK for keepers
Bluetongue, including the current BTV-3 strain, is a notifiable disease and must be reported without delay to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.