The National Beef Association Scotland is delighted that the Scottish Government has confirmed (June 27th) it will be holding vaccine stocks to counter BTV8 in reserve this August which can be used as a contingency against the appearance of the disease within Scotland's borders.
And it is equally pleased that the full £5 million order for 12 million doses has been secured.
However it understands that the entire order may be delivered in 100ml bottles, which hold either 100 sheep or 50 cattle doses, and suggests that an effort should be made to place a portion of the delivery in 50ml and 25ml bottles so that livestock holdings of all sizes can be covered without any vaccine being wasted.
"Once a bottle is opened the vaccine loses its potency. Some farmers with less than 50 cattle may think a 100ml bottle would cover both the first and second doses, which are four weeks apart, but this would not be possible," explained NBA director, Kim Haywood.
