2 August, 2024

Vaccination of sheep and cattle is still a cornerstone of bluetongue control.

PRESS RELEASE

As expected, since early July the period of activity of the midges has increased sharply, with new outbreaks of Bluetongue spreading rapidly, particularly to the east and south of the Netherlands, and into neighbouring regions in Germany and Belgium, marking a major geographic expansion.

Mass vaccination is proven to be effective and supported by all field experts as the only effective tool to control the disease and reduce its consequences. As an animal health professional, the veterinarian is the best ally for the farmer when it comes to vaccination strategy.

Vaccination experience and feedback from the field is being closely monitored by experts, particularly in the Netherlands, where sheep were vaccinated massively from May onwards with Syvazul BTV 3 the first vaccine available and authorized for use in this situation of emergency. Reports from the Royal GD and specialist veterinary surgeons from sheep-breeders’ associations working together show that so far this vaccination campaign has significantly reduced the severity and duration of symptoms and limited the number of deaths in cases of infection in animals that have been vaccinated compared to the non-vaccinated and the dramatic situation in 2023.

In Germany as well, in a recent communication, the FLI, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, mentioned that although vaccinated animals are also showing clinical signs of BTV3 and some have died, the infection in vaccinated animals remains much milder than in unvaccinated and compared to what was observed in autumn 2023.

Syva’s regulatory and research teams are constantly following the situation in close collaboration with the field experts and the information provided by the Animal Health Services. We are in permanent contact with the different veterinary health institutions in the countries where vaccines – including Syvazul BTV 3 – have been approved for emergency use under art.110 (2).

In sheep, Syva has performed a trial that has demonstrated efficacy with one single shot as it is stated in the SPC of Syvazul BTV 3.

Considering the specific conditions that could be observed in the field and that could differ among flocks (i.e parasitic infections), we understand that the Dutch and German Animal Health authorities decided that veterinarians may deviate from the SPC and administer a second vaccination, the so-called booster vaccination, to sheep. This second injection would be administered under responsibility and after a benefit-risk assessment by the veterinarian.

Since 2004, we have been providing vaccines against the various bluetongue serotypes affecting Europe, helping vets and farmers to protect millions of cows and sheep. In front of this particularly aggressive BTV-3 serotype, Syva remains fully committed to support veterinarians and farmers in their fight against bluetongue and we are proud of our contribution to minimize the consequences of this devastating virus.

In this context, to obtain the maximum benefit from vaccination,

we would like to emphasise and remind of the following good practices:

Vaccinate only healthy animals. Do not vaccinate sick animals, animals with suspected disease or that could have compromised immunity/immune response (e.g.: parasitized animals). Perform a parasitic examination 15 days before vaccination and, depending on the result, deworm the animals if necessary.
Minimize stress when handling animals.
Use a new, clean, and appropriately sized needle for each animal.

We also remind the links to the Health authorities websites where more information can be found and reporting performed.

For The Netherlands: Royal GD and NVWA

For Germany: Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut

For Belgium: AFMPS / FAGG

————————————– Public Press release contact : caroline.de.siron@syva.es

ABOUT SYVA Since its foundation in 1941, the Spanish company Laboratorios Syva has been committed to researching opportunities and to scientific based development to innovate and offer efficient solutions for the animal health sector. This capacity to adapt drives the company’s strategy to grow and to maintain state-of-the-art bioengineering and manufacturing facilities to produce vaccines, first-line anti-infectives and other essential medicines for animal health and welfare, which are distributed in nearly 70 countries worldwide.

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