Menu
14/03/2008
Alert Issued On Bluetongue Vaccine
While insisting that it was not a case of trying to drum up sales, a leading vaccine manufacturer has warned that a serious animal disease outbreak could have a disastrous impact on the NI agricultural industry.
Emphasising that it was simply 'a warning' that demand is going to outstrip supply this summer, David Bartram, a vet from manufacturers Fort Dodge Animal Health, said Northern Ireland could find itself unable to get hold of the vaccine in the event of an outbreak of the cattle disease, bluetongue.
"With limited supplies available, the risk is that if a pre-order for a vaccine hasn't been placed there may not be sufficient supplies in order to meet demand in Northern Ireland," he said.
As a result, he claimed that farmers could find themselves without protection against bluetongue disease this summer as supplies of the vaccine are limited and the Department of Agriculture in Northern Ireland has not yet placed an order.
Millions of doses would be needed to control an outbreak in cattle and sheep.
Government vets in England and Wales have ordered 22.5m doses of the vaccine to use this summer. The authorities in Scotland are also expected to order vaccine soon.
In response, the Department of Agriculture NI said that the Province is a bluetongue-free region, and is therefore in a different position.
Also, because the vaccine has a limited shelf life the department has decided not to order vaccine but will continue to monitor the situation carefully in line with veterinary advice.
Fort Dodge Animal Health held a special press conference yesterday to underline the company's claim that crucial vaccines for the disease may not be available until too late.
(BMcC/KMcA)
Emphasising that it was simply 'a warning' that demand is going to outstrip supply this summer, David Bartram, a vet from manufacturers Fort Dodge Animal Health, said Northern Ireland could find itself unable to get hold of the vaccine in the event of an outbreak of the cattle disease, bluetongue.
"With limited supplies available, the risk is that if a pre-order for a vaccine hasn't been placed there may not be sufficient supplies in order to meet demand in Northern Ireland," he said.
As a result, he claimed that farmers could find themselves without protection against bluetongue disease this summer as supplies of the vaccine are limited and the Department of Agriculture in Northern Ireland has not yet placed an order.
Millions of doses would be needed to control an outbreak in cattle and sheep.
Government vets in England and Wales have ordered 22.5m doses of the vaccine to use this summer. The authorities in Scotland are also expected to order vaccine soon.
In response, the Department of Agriculture NI said that the Province is a bluetongue-free region, and is therefore in a different position.
Also, because the vaccine has a limited shelf life the department has decided not to order vaccine but will continue to monitor the situation carefully in line with veterinary advice.
Fort Dodge Animal Health held a special press conference yesterday to underline the company's claim that crucial vaccines for the disease may not be available until too late.
(BMcC/KMcA)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 November 2024
Parents And Guardians Urged To Share Childcare Experiences
Parents and guardians across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to participate in a new survey to share their experiences of childcare. The survey, commissioned by the Department of Education, aims to gather valuable insights to inform future childcare policies.
Parents And Guardians Urged To Share Childcare Experiences
Parents and guardians across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to participate in a new survey to share their experiences of childcare. The survey, commissioned by the Department of Education, aims to gather valuable insights to inform future childcare policies.
22 November 2024
Mobile Gaming Trends in Northern Ireland
Mobile gaming has become an integral part of the entertainment landscape in Northern Ireland, encompassing everything from sports betting and online gambling to video games. As technology advances, particularly with the advent of 5G, the mobile gaming sector is poised for significant growth and transformation.
Mobile Gaming Trends in Northern Ireland
Mobile gaming has become an integral part of the entertainment landscape in Northern Ireland, encompassing everything from sports betting and online gambling to video games. As technology advances, particularly with the advent of 5G, the mobile gaming sector is poised for significant growth and transformation.
21 November 2024
UK Education Ministers Meet In Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland hosted the fifth UK Education Ministers' Council (EMC) meeting at Laurelhill Community College in Lisburn.
UK Education Ministers Meet In Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland hosted the fifth UK Education Ministers' Council (EMC) meeting at Laurelhill Community College in Lisburn.
21 November 2024
Work Underway For Free Hospital Parking In Northern Ireland
Work has begun at several hospital sites across Northern Ireland as part of the preparations for the introduction of free car parking in May 2026. Health and Social Care Trusts have been actively preparing for the implementation of a new traffic management system since the Hospital Parking Charges Act was passed in 2022.
Work Underway For Free Hospital Parking In Northern Ireland
Work has begun at several hospital sites across Northern Ireland as part of the preparations for the introduction of free car parking in May 2026. Health and Social Care Trusts have been actively preparing for the implementation of a new traffic management system since the Hospital Parking Charges Act was passed in 2022.
18 November 2024
DAERA Minister Outlines Path To Net Zero For Northern Ireland
DAERA Minister, Andrew Muir, has outlined a roadmap for Northern Ireland to transition to a net-zero economy. Speaking at the 2024 Re[Act] Festival in Belfast, he emphasised the urgent need for ambitious climate action.
DAERA Minister Outlines Path To Net Zero For Northern Ireland
DAERA Minister, Andrew Muir, has outlined a roadmap for Northern Ireland to transition to a net-zero economy. Speaking at the 2024 Re[Act] Festival in Belfast, he emphasised the urgent need for ambitious climate action.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
