Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 24th July 2023
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

EAE vaccine hit by supply issues
"We encourage all farmers to consult their vet and explore alternative means of safeguarding the health of their flocks during this period" – Rory Geary.

Shortages are expected to last for two to three weeks.

Ceva Animal Health has announced that there will be supply issues towards the end of the main vaccination season with the Cevac Chlamydia vaccine, which protects sheep against enzootic abortion of ewes (EAE).

The shortage, which is predicted to last for two to three weeks, is being blamed on delays in the manufacturing and distribution process.

Supply issues had been expected. Back in March, Ceva warned about potential shortages, urging farmers to make sure that their ewes were vaccinated early to avoid being affected by supply problems later in the year.

Ceva has said that the problem is expected to be temporary and it will be taking steps to minimise the impact on customers.

Rory Geary, Ceva Animal Health’s regional director for Northern Europe, said: “In collaboration with relevant stakeholders, we have implemented comprehensive contingency plans to optimise the manufacturing and distribution process.

"Our dedicated team is working closely with our partners to resolve the challenges and restore normal supply levels as soon as possible. The vaccine challenge is being treated with the utmost urgency, and we are actively exploring alternative sourcing options to supplement the existing supply chain.”

EAE is one of the most commonly diagnosed causes of abortion in ewes, with the cost to the UK sheep industry estimated to be up to £20 million a year.

Farmers who are unable to vaccinate their sheep due to the shortage are being encouraged to speak to their veterinary surgeon.

Mr Geary added: “We anticipate that the delay in supply will be resolved in the near future, however we recognise that for some farmers the supply will arrive too late for them to use.

"We encourage all farmers to consult their vet and explore alternative means of safeguarding the health of their flocks during this period. We recommend implementing robust biosecurity measures and adhering to existing vaccination protocols for other preventable diseases to ensure the overall wellbeing of livestock.

“We will provide vet practices and the wider industry with regular updates as we progress toward a resolution and return to normal supply levels.”

 

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.