Vaccine aims to combat Bluetongue

Infected midges from Europe may have brought bluetongue to the UK

A vaccine for farm disease bluetongue - which affects cattle and sheep - is now available, the government says.

The first million doses, available from vets, are in 20-dose bottles. A larger batch - up to two million doses in 50-dose bottles - will follow in days.

Bluetongue was found in the UK for the first time in September at a Suffolk farm. It is non-contagious and its spread has been blamed on midges.

The virus has long affected Africa and has gradually moved north in Europe.

BLUETONGUE IN SHEEP High body temperature Drooling Lameness Swelling of the mouth, head and neck Respiratory problems First UK bluetongue case

Environment Secretary Hilary Benn said: "We have worked very closely with a core group of industry experts throughout this process, and I am very pleased with the rapid progress ... made to develop and produce this new vaccine ahead of schedule and in a very tight timescale.

"The success of our control and vaccination strategy will ultimately depend on the industry itself, and I strongly support the industry-led campaign to promote vaccination.

"The message to animal keepers is clear: Don't hesitate, vaccinate".

The current protection zone covers most of south-east England, the South and parts of the East.

Bluetongue has also been found in Scotland, in a cow imported from Germany.

Scientists believe it found itself to the UK through "the windborne transmission of infected midges from continental Europe".

BLUETONGUE IN CATTLE Drooling Swelling of the head and neck Conjunctivitis Swelling of the mouth Swollen teats Tiredness

Alick Simmons, acting chief veterinary officer, said: "Vaccination offers the only realistic prospect of controlling bluetongue.

"The release of the first batches of vaccine is very good news. However, supplies will build up over the summer and so I want to encourage farmers and veterinarians to order and use the vaccine responsibly: vaccine can only be obtained if it is intended for immediate use in the priority areas.

"This will help maximise take up and minimise the risk of the disease increasing in prevalence and range during 2008".