The general licence for the bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) vaccine now covers the whole of England, enabling all livestock keepers to use any of the permitted vaccines without special licence.
Unlike authorised vaccines for other serotypes, this reduces rather than prevents viraemia (the presence of the virus in the blood). Therefore it may not prevent infection, clinical signs or mortality. As such, all movement controls and trade restrictions remain in place, even where animals are vaccinated.
Farmers are reminded to only move animals where it is absolutely necessary. Defra recommends working with veterinarians to decide if the vaccine is right for their livestock.