First animals are vaccinated against Bluetongue

Thursday 1 May was a landmark date in the animal health industry, as cattle at Bixley Farms in Norfolk became the first animals in the UK to be vaccinated against Bluetongue serotype 8 and over three million doses were delivered for livestock in the Protection Zone.

This means that animals will be vaccinated one month earlier than originally anticipated and in time for the midge season. It is also an example of all elements of the animal health industry working together to safeguard the health and welfare of the country’s livestock and the farming community as a whole.

Since the Bluetongue serotype 8 virus was isolated in September 2006, a number of animal health companies started emergency programmes to develop a suitable vaccine. The newly launched vaccine has gone from research & development to full-scale production in a record 20 months rather than the usual five to ten years and its delivery is ahead of schedule.

Phil Sketchley, chief executive officer of the National Office of Animal Health (NOAH) comments: “Animal health and welfare is the number one priority of all our members and I think the speed with which the animal health companies have reacted to the Bluetongue emergency is testament to what can be achieved. Defra and the regulatory authorities have been working closely with a number of NOAH member companies to deliver a Bluetongue vaccine to help the farming community before the peak midge season has begun.”

NFU President Peter Kendall said: “It is vitally important that all farmers with susceptible livestock vaccinate their animals as soon as it is possible for them to do so. We are working with stakeholder groups through the Joint Action against Bluetongue (JAB) campaign to make sure all livestock keepers are aware of what they need to do and when.”

Ends

12 May 2008

Notes for Editors

1. For further information contact Phil Sketchley or Alison Glennon at NOAH, tel. +44 (0)20 8367 3131, or visit the NOAH website.

2. For further press information, please contact: Jessica Henman or Diana Rhodes Blue Zebra PR, The West House, 4 Farmoor Court, Cumnor Road, Oxford, OX2 9LU Tel: 01865 861600 Fax: 01865 865168 Email: jessica.henman@bluezebrapr.com or diana.rhodes@bluezebrapr.com MOBILE CONTACTS: 07771 897954 or 07767 370148

3. The National Office of Animal Health was formed on 1 January 1986 to represent UK companies which research, develop, manufacture and market licensed animal health products. The association has 28 corporate members and 8 associate members. In 2006 the NOAH sales survey showed a total market of £373.2m, around 90% of the total UK market.