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THE first batch of blue tongue vaccine is ready to be distributed in the Dorset-wide disease protection zone.

Livestock owners in the area are being encouraged to vaccinate their stock to minimise the risk of further outbreaks.

The one million doses will be shared with the other protection zone, which covers much of the east of England and the south coast.

The protection zone means farmers cannot sell outside the restricted area, which severely limits their trade.

Even with the distribution of the vaccine, the best case scenario for farmers will be to start trading fully again by August.

Cattle need a double dose of the vaccine spread over three weeks, after which farmers must wait 60 days until they can start trading outside the restriction zone again.

Sheep will only need a single dose of BTV8 to be protected.

It is expected that a further two million doses will become available in the coming days.

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

This is the first time a vaccine has been developed for use in northern Europe.

Environment secretary Hilary Benn said: "The success of our control and vaccination strategy will ultimately depend upon the industry itself. The message to animal keepers is clear: Don't hesitate, vaccinate."

The bluetongue virus is spread by midges and can be fatal to cows, sheep, goats and deer.

It was first found in Dorset in a nine-month-old calf at a farm near Poole during a routine pre-movement blood test.

Full details of how to get livestock vaccinated are available at defra.gov.uk Vaccine should help minimise the risk of bluetongue outbreaks.

5:28pm Friday 9th May 2008

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