April 10, 2008

Scottish government implements bluetongue vaccination programme
 

The government of Scotland has placed an order for 12 million doses of bluetongue vaccines and pledged GBP3 million (US$5.9 million) to cover first-year costs for the bluetongue vaccination programme.

Half of farmers' costs for the vaccine this year will be met up to the GBP3 million cap, said Richard Lochhead, cabinet secretary for rural affairs.

The compulsory vaccination programme is set to start in early winter, and will be in place for two years.

Should farmers fail to comply with the programme, they could be fined up to GBP5,000 (US$9,851) and imprisoned for six months.