December 31, 2024

UK approves new vaccine to combat bluetongue virus in livestock

Boehringer Ingelheim has received approval from the UK's Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) for its bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) vaccine, BULTAVO 3.

This new vaccine aims to address the threat posed by recent BTV-3 outbreaks impacting sheep and cattle across Europe, including Britain. The rollout will begin in high-risk areas as part of efforts to protect livestock health and the economic stability of farmers.

BULTAVO 3 represents Boehringer Ingelheim's swift response to the rapid spread of BTV-3, a midge-borne virus first detected in the Netherlands in 2023. The outbreak has affected more than 5,000 livestock farms, raising significant concerns across the farming community. In the UK, BTV-3 is classified as a notifiable disease, requiring immediate reporting to authorities to mitigate its potentially severe effects, which include clinical damage and mortality among livestock.

The vaccine, developed in collaboration with Bioveta, provides robust immunity for sheep after a single dose and for cattle after two doses. This development addresses a critical gap in livestock health management, ensuring rapid protection against the virus and supporting farmers in managing their herds.

The introduction of BULTAVO 3 is expected to enhance early intervention capabilities in high-risk areas, enabling effective containment of the disease. Boehringer Ingelheim's efforts signal a proactive approach to safeguarding the farming sector, offering both protection for livestock and economic reassurance for farmers. This approval marks a significant step in managing the threat of BTV-3 and securing the future stability of agriculture in the UK and Europe.

-      Zenopa