May 6, 2024

New bluetongue virus vaccine approved in the Netherlands

The UK National Farmers' Union (NFU) said a new vaccine authorised for use against bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) in the Netherlands, NFU reported.

Recently authorised in the Netherlands through an accelerated procedure, the vaccine, produced by Spanish pharmaceutical company Syva, has undergone safety tests in female sheep, with indications suggesting it is also safe for use in cattle. Its approval follows more than 6,000 reported cases of BTV-3 in the Netherlands in 2023.

The vaccine's authorisation brings relief to Dutch producers who experienced significant losses, with around 5% of the sheep population and 0.2% of cattle lost due to BTV-3 infections. The disease not only impacts mortality rates but also causes various health issues in livestock, including lesions on the tongue and mucous membranes, lameness, and reduced milk yields.

David Barton, NFU Livestock Board chair, welcomed the news of the vaccine's authorisation, emphasising its potential benefits for UK farmers as warmer weather approaches. However, he highlighted several unanswered questions, including the cost, rollout strategy, and government support for its deployment in the UK.

Following its emergency authorisation, two million doses of the vaccine will be available by the end of April, with sheep requiring one dose and cattle two doses administered three weeks apart. While this initial supply may not suffice for the Netherlands' large livestock population, additional doses are expected in the coming months.

In the Netherlands, veterinarians can now directly purchase vaccines, enabling farmers to access them through their veterinarians. The vaccination strategy, developed in collaboration with industry stakeholders and experts, aims to protect animals effectively.

Discussions are ongoing with farmers' organisations and governments in Belgium and Germany to determine plans for authorising the vaccine in those countries, where cases of BTV-3 have also been reported.

-      UK National Farmers' Union