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Blue Tongue Vaccine: 12 million Doses Coming to Scotland
Scotland’s Finance Secretary and local MSP John Swinney has welcomed the news that twelve million doses of blue tongue vaccine have been secured for Scottish livestock. The doses will support a compulsory vaccination campaign later in the year.
The contract (estimated value up to £5 million) has been awarded to Meriel following EU procurement procedures. ScotGov has committed to supporting half the manufacturing costs of the vaccine in the first year, subject to State Aid approval from the European Commission. The industry will meet other costs.
The vaccine can only be used in a protection zone. Illegal use of vaccine would risk Scotland’s free area status, and is subject to penalties of up to £5,000 and/or six months in jail. The Merial vaccine will require one dose for sheep and 2 doses for cattle given 4 weeks apart.
Vaccination Campaign
The first delivery of vaccine, expected in August, will provide a contingency reserve should it be required. The expectation remains that, subject to developments in the disease situation, a compulsory vaccination campaign will be undertaken during the midge-free period this winter.
The Minister said: “It is excellent news for our livestock industry that we have in place these 12 million doses of bluetongue vaccine.
“The Scottish Government has been resolute in its support of the farming industry and has worked with industry leaders to ensure their concerns are dealt with effectively at a local and national level.
“Farmers in Highland Perthshire will welcome this news as the area holds a significant place in Scotland’s farming industry. It is a measure of how far we have come in Scotland when we now have a Government which listens to the farming industry and acts appropriately.”
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