Animal diseases Swiss animals can be vaccinated against bluetongue

In Switzerland, cattle and sheep can be vaccinated against bluetongue and the vaccine can be imported. Although the vaccination does not protect the animals from the mosquito-borne disease, it can mitigate its progression.

The Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) has issued a general ruling on the use of the vaccine in consultation with the regulatory authority Swissmedic. This is according to a statement issued by the FSVO on Thursday.

The order was issued because, according to the press release, action is urgent and the disease has occurred in many livestock farms. Vaccination is currently the best way to prevent losses. It is recommended, but is voluntary and must be paid for by livestock owners.

Vaccination is possible against bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3), which is particularly harmful to sheep.

SDA