In 2024, bluetongue (BT) serotype 3 spread rapidly from the Netherlands within Belgian cattle and sheep herds. This serotype, more aggressive than those encountered during previous epidemics, caused heavy losses in herds.
Yet from May 2024, vaccines against this serotype could be administered to animals to provide protection and limit the consequences of the disease, with vaccination left to the free choice of keepers. After several months of the epidemic, it must be acknowledged that voluntary vaccination failed to sufficiently limit the impact of the disease.
For 2025, the threat of a resurgence of the bluetongue epidemic (serotype 3) remains real. Added to this risk is the arrival of serotype 8 of the same disease and the epizootic haemorrhagic disease (EHD) virus from France.
Animals can now be vaccinated against these 3 diseases, since a vaccine against serotype 8 of the epizootic haemorrhagic disease virus has just received authorisation for use in Belgium, and authorisations already exist for vaccines against bluetongue serotypes 3 and 8.
David CLARINVAL, Minister of Agriculture: "Vaccination is our first line of defence against epidemics. It represents not only essential protection for our livestock, but also a guarantee for the economic future of the entire agricultural sector. By focusing on rigorous prevention, combined with facilities for farmers, we ensure the resilience of our farms and the health security of our country."
In this context, Minister Clarinval met with representatives of farming organisations to respond to their call for action. Following this consultation, a consensus was reached. The Minister has committed to making vaccination against these diseases mandatory in 2025. Cattle and sheep farmers will be required to vaccinate their animals against bluetongue serotypes 3 and 8, and vaccination against epizootic haemorrhagic disease will also be mandatory for cattle.
Furthermore, an agreement has been reached between Minister Clarinval and Agrofront: sheep farmers who vaccinate in 2025 will benefit from an exemption from the health fund contribution."
Indeed, for these vector-borne diseases, only mass vaccination of herds can create effective protection on a national scale by reducing the spread of the viruses.
To ensure that all animals can be vaccinated before being put out to pasture, the possibility for farmers to vaccinate their own animals will be extended to EHD vaccination, provided they have signed a guidance contract with their herd veterinarian.
The vaccines will be distributed through the usual medicine distribution channel and must be administered according to the protocol described in the leaflet approved by the FAMHP.
The authorities are aware of the lack of available information regarding these vaccines, which were approved under an emergency procedure to respond to the rapid spread of these diseases. Steps are being taken to obtain this information as quickly as possible, and it will be communicated to veterinarians and farmers as soon as it is available.
Funding for the vaccines will remain the responsibility of the farmer. However, the sheep, goat and deer sectors will benefit from a suspension of mandatory contribution payments for the year 2025.