March 10, 2008

EU earmarks US$111 million for bluetongue vaccinations

The European Commission confirmed that it would allocate EUR72.5 million (US$111 million) for bluetongue vaccination plans.

The EU said it would support emergency vaccination plans in the member states at a rate of 100 percent of the vaccine's supply cost and 50 percent of the costs incurred while carrying out the vaccination, up to certain ceilings.

Bluetongue is a non-contagious, insect-borne rival disease of ruminant, mainly sheep and less frequently of cattle, goats, buffalo, deer, dromedaries and antelope.

The disease was first found in southern Europe in 1998. Separate cases were then found in Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Luxembourg and Britain since August 2006.

Vaccination has been considered as the most efficient veterinary measure to fight the disease.