Schmallenberg vaccine ready for use this summer
UK farmers will be the first in the EU with access to a vaccine to help protect sheep and cattle against birth defects caused by the Schmallenberg Virus (SBV).
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) announced that it has granted MSD Animal Health a provisional marketing authorisation for Bovilis SBV, which is the first vaccine specifically targeting SBV in cattle and sheep.
The virus is transmitted via insect vectors, mainly midges and causes transient clinical symptoms in adult cattle and sheep, such as fever, diarrhoea and reduced milk yield, as well as congenital malformation in newborn calves and lambs. As of March 31st 2013, 1753 cases of SBV had been confirmed throughout the UK. SBV has now been detected in every county in England and Wales.
Exposure to the virus can result in relatively mild conditions in cattle and sheep but where infection takes place during the early stages of pregnancy; it can result in congenital disorders of lambs and calves. Infection may also be linked to poor breeding performance.
Defra's Deputy Chief Veterinary Office Alick Simmons said: "It is welcome news for British farmers to have the choice to vaccinate their animals. The vaccine will give extra assurance against this disease on top of the natural immunity we expect sheep and cattle to develop after initial exposure."
The vaccine will be available for use across the UK this Summer, so watch the website and you email inbox for more information about price and availability on Farmacy.
- 29th May 2013
