New vaccine to simplify IBR control
The introduction of a new combined vaccination programme has seen the UK take a step forward in the fight against infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR).
Hitherto 'lagging behind' a lot of European countries when it comes to eradicating IBR, the new vaccination programme incorporates the use of both 'live' and 'inactivated' vaccines and is meant to give protection for up to 12 months.
Dr Peter Nettleton, an independent veterinary virologist formerly with the Moredun Research Institute, said: “Some countries have eradicated the disease and Germany will soon be IBR-free. However, the UK is lagging behind, possibly because we have not given it full attention because we have had other things on our minds, such as TB."
He added: “As Europe becomes more and more free from IBR, there will be more barriers rather than fewer, so now is the time to take proper steps against IBR, especially in pedigree herds. We have now got the chance to control the disease and possibly eradicate it in the UK.”
The programme consists of an initial single dose of IBR marker live vaccine at three months old, followed up six months later by either another dose of the live vaccine for a further six months' protection, or a single dose of the inactivated IBR marker vaccine for a 12-month protection period.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
