March 26, 2009
Scotland bluetongue vaccination deadline nears
The deadline for compulsory bluetongue vaccination in Scotland is just five weeks away and only 50 percent of farms have been protected.
The latest figures from the Scottish government show that only 49.21 percent of farm holdings have administered 5 million doses of bluetongue vaccine (BTV8).
Chief Vet Charles Milne said that if they achieve 80 percent it is likely to be enough to prevent establishment of the disease.
Milne is expecting a big upsurge over the next three to four weeks when livestock is brought in for lambing or calving, and remains optimistic that they will hit the target.
NFUS president Jim McLaren said a last gasp approach had always been predicted, but these figures should now concentrate the minds of producers who have been putting it off.
