More bluetongue vaccine put out to tender
T7 May 2008
Defra has put 13 million more doses of bluetongue vaccine out to tender in a move welcomed by the NFU.
Once the order arrives - which will take several weeks - there will be enough vaccine to cover all of 
England and a significant proportion of Wales.
Secretary of State Hilary Benn made the announcement this afternoon following the first delivery of vaccine onto farms in the protection zone last week.
Over 30 million doses are now being made available to counter the midge-borne virus.
"I am pleased with the very high demand for vaccine in the first week of vaccination," Mr Benn said earlier.
"The farming industry faces a real threat from bluetongue. The best way for farmers to protect their animals and their pockets is to vaccinate all susceptible animals.
"By underwriting a further order for vaccine, I am giving farmers across the whole of England the clearest signal that there will be vaccine available as we roll out the vaccination campaign county by county. I want the whole industry to engage with this over the weeks and months ahead."
As part of the JAB campaign, the NFU continues to press home the message: "Don't hesitate, vaccinate". Click here for more.
