This year, vaccination of cattle and sheep against catarrhal fever, also known as ‘bluetongue disease’, has become compulsory. More specifically, these are vaccines against bluetongue (serotypes 3 and 8) and EHD (epizootic haemorrhagic disease). Cattle must receive six doses, sheep two.
According to scientists, vaccination is one of the most effective methods of preventing the disease. This vaccination campaign is therefore essential to avoid very significant economic losses. Without vaccination, economic losses are estimated at up to €3,500 for a head of cattle and up to €200 for a sheep, depending on prevailing prices.
Last year, Agriculture Minister David Clarinval released €40 million at federal level to fund this vaccination campaign.
It was agreed that funding for the vaccination would be allocated directly to veterinarians. They must then deduct it from the invoices sent to farmers. The amounts set are €23.50 per head of cattle and €7 per sheep.
This first instalment of €25 million was paid to veterinarians last week. There are sufficient vaccines available, although farmers must contact their veterinarians to ensure the proper implementation of the vaccination campaign.
David Clarinval, Minister of Agriculture: “At this difficult time for our farmers, a swift response was needed. The vaccination requirement, combined with the budget I released to cover the cost of this vaccination, is a concrete response to protect their work and safeguard our livestock. Last week, a first instalment of the €40 million was released. Listening to farmers' needs and providing them with the necessary resources is essential to fight bluetongue disease and protect their livestock.”