faced with bluetongue, the prefect recalls the importance of vaccination

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Since this summer, a threat has loomed over French farms with the appearance of sheep catarrhal fever (SFC) mainly affecting the lambs et the sheep but also the cows. A concern to which must also be added epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD). With 38 homes confirmed in Hérault this Saturday, November 23, the prefect François-Xavier Lauch recalls existing prevention measures.

38 homes in Hérault

Bluetongue (BCF), also called bluetongue disease, and epizootic haemorrhagic disease (EHD) are transmitted between ruminants (cattle and sheep) via biting midges and can lead to clinical signs in fairly young animals. similar (hyperthermia, mouth ulcers, locomotion difficulties, etc.) which can lead to death in certain animals. Viruses that do not affect humans.

Following an outbreak detected in Lozère, the regulated zone linked to variant 3 of bluetongue (BFT) extends over the entire department of Hérault. However, at present, there is no outbreak of FCO 3 in the department. However, FCO variant 8 is currently present in Hérault with 30 confirmed outbreaks while 8 outbreaks have been confirmed for epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD).

The Departmental Directorate for Population Protection (DDPP) of Hérault thus recalls the importance in the event of suggestive signs of calling the veterinarian who will be able to screen the animals and report these suspicions to the DDPP. The costs of veterinary visits and analyzes are covered by the State.

Vaccine stocks

Regarding vaccination, a stock purchased by the State to fight against FCO variant 3 is made available free of charge to sheep and cattle breeders. 2 million additional doses of BULTAVO 3 vaccine have been ordered for the state stock. These doses are available now and only for sheep. Concerning the BLUEVAC, the next deliveries for state stock are planned in the coming weeks.

Concerning FCO 8, there are several types of vaccines on the private market whose availability varies over time depending on the capacity of laboratories to produce them. Finally for MHE, the HEPIZOVAC vaccine available in the department on the private market only can be used for cattle and allows certification for trade.

The prefect of Hérault strongly recommends that breeders contact veterinarians to place orders for vaccines which remain the most effective means of prevention to fight against these diseases.

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