March 1, 2011

Belgium to revise bluetongue vaccination rules

Belgium will revise the rules on vaccination against bluetongue disease, making it a voluntary decision instead of a compulsory act.

Animals intended for export still require vaccination, depending on the rules of the country where the animals are transported. In addition, it was also decided that the veterinarian can leave the vaccination up to the farmer, but only if a veterinary agreement has been made between the veterinarian and the farmer.

Till the new decision comes into force, vaccination against bluetongue is still mandatory and needs to be carried out by the veterinarian only. The veterinarian is also not allowed to provide the vaccine to the farmer.