The Secretary of State has permitted the use of three unauthorised bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) vaccines within the United Kingdom.
These are suppressive, meaning that they will reduce some of the clinical signs of the disease but will not prevent infection. Due to this, movement controls and trade restrictions will remain in place.
Licences will enable the use of the vaccines, either through geographically targeted general licences in high-risk counties, or specific licences available through the Animal Plant Health Agency (APHA).
Biosecurity Minister Baroness Hayman said: “The permitting of these vaccines forms one part of our efforts against this highly infectious disease.
“We are working at pace in order to provide farmers with everything they need to protect their livestock and businesses and would recommend they contact their veterinarians for access to the vaccines. Farmers are also reminded that free testing remains available.”
Chief UK Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said: “These vaccines are an important step forward and will aid in reducing clinical signs in animals and the impact of disease on farms, but it is not a protective vaccine, so we are still urging farmers to follow all of our guidance in order to prevent the disease spreading to their herds and any further.
“I urge farmers to contact their veterinarians if they wish to use the vaccines and to continue monitoring their animals frequently for clinical signs and report suspicion of disease immediately to the Animal Plant Health Agency.”