Schmallenberg vaccine launch next week
It is the first commercially available vaccine against the disease, which spread rapidly across Europe since it was first identified in Schmallenberg in Germany late in 2011.
The recommended vaccine dosage in sheep is a single subcutaneous 2ml injection, and two 2ml injections four weeks apart in cows.
Schmallenberg virus, spread by midges, can cause abortions and deformities in calves and lambs.
The critical risk period for cows is between days 40 and 140 of pregnancy, and between days 20 and 80 of pregnancy for ewes.
Midges are active between April and November.
The virus has been identified in around 1,800 farms across England and Wales, and caused losses of up to 50% of lambs in the worst affected farms.
First seen in Ireland in October 2012, the disease has so far been largely confined to the south and east. But experience elsewhere indicates it is likely to spread nationwide.
Five farmer information meetings on Schmallenberg are being organised by MSD Animal Health, and will be addressed by vets, staff from the Department of Agriculture’s regional veterinary laboratories, and MSD specialists.
The first meeting will be in the Amber Springs Hotel, Gorey on Tuesday, Jun 18.
Further meetings will take place in the Woodlands Hotel, Adare on Wednesday, Jun 19; Corrin Mart, Fermoy on Thursday, Jun 20; Mullingar Park Hotel on Tuesday, Jun 25; and McWilliam Park Hotel, Claremorris on Wednesday, Jun 26. All meetings start at 7.30pm.
