Question
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what dosage will be necessary for vaccinating each (a) sheep and (b) cow against bluetongue;
Answer
[holding answer 20 March 2008]: The UK was the first member state affected by the current outbreak of bluetongue to place an order for vaccine; 22.5 million doses. 20 million doses are reserved for use in England and 2.5 million doses are reserved for use in Wales. The first batches of vaccine are expected to be available from May.Vaccination is limited to the Protection Zone, and so vaccine will be available to all keepers of susceptible livestock in the Protection Zone, who will be able to purchase vaccine through their private vet. However, as vaccine begins to be delivered by Intervet, it may be necessary to prioritise vaccine availability to reflect supply and the epidemiological situation.The vaccine being produced by Intervet will require one dose in sheep and two doses in cattle. The size of the dose is likely to be one millilitre but this is subject to ongoing discussions between Intervet and the Veterinary Medicines Directorate as part of the vaccine licensing process.