The Scottish Government is implementing a vaccination campaign against bluetongue virus for all susceptible animals in Scotland. To allow this, Scotland will be declared a ‘Protection Zone’ on Monday 3 November 2008.

It will be compulsory for all sheep and cattle in Scotland to be vaccinated within the vector-free period (3rd November 2008 – 30th April 2009).

Exemptions to this are

• animals less than three months of age,
• any animals destined for slaughter between 3rd November 2008 and 21st May 2009 (which is 21 days after the end of the midge-free period),
• any animals that will go from their holding of origin straight to slaughter or to slaughter via a market at less than six months of age even if this is after the midge-free period.

Although not compulsory it is advisable to vaccinate other ruminants (i.e. goats).

Vaccine has to be pre-ordered from your vet and must be used within 6-8 hours of opening the sealed container. Further information regarding the purchase of the vaccine can be obtained from your local vet.

Vaccination is a legal requirement and any failure to vaccinate sheep or cattle is an illegal act which can invoke penalties of a maximum of £5,000 and six months in prison. The Scottish Government will monitor all requests for bluetongue vaccine and registered keepers who are shown not to have purchased the vaccine will be monitored.

The Scottish Government will be contacting all registered keepers advising action to be taken. For further information please contact the Comhairle’s Animal Health Officer on 01851 870807

Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk