DAERA moves to general licence for BTV 3 vaccination
Date published:
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) today announced that vaccination against Bluetongue Virus Serotype 3 (BTV 3) will now be permitted under a general licence, simplifying access to BTV-3 vaccines for livestock keepers across Northern Ireland.
This change reflects the evolving disease situation. Moving from a specific licence to a general licence marks the next phase in managing the disease and supporting industry resilience. The new approach reduces administrative burden and ensures timely access to BTV‑3 vaccines currently authorized.
Under the terms of the general licence, vaccination will continue to require veterinary prescription, accurate record‑keeping, and compliance with veterinary medicine recording requirements.
Further guidance, including copies of the general licence for private veterinarians and livestock keepers which detail the requirements are available on the DAERA website.
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir said: “The introduction of a general licence is a practical next step in the management of BTV‑3. By reducing the administrative burden, it will make it easier for farmers to access vaccines and make informed decisions to protect their animals.”
Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. Farmers, veterinarians and laboratories must continue to report any suspicion of bluetongue immediately to DAERA. Bluetongue poses no risk to human health or food safety.
Notes to editors:
- For updates to the Bluetongue situation in Northern Ireland please visit the DAERA website.
- DAERA’s Disease Control Framework for Northern Ireland for Bluetongue virus (BTV-3) can be accessed here.
- Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. It is a disease of animals, not humans, so there are no human or public health issues. If notifiable disease is suspected or detected, contact DAERA on 0300 200 7840 or your local DAERA Direct Regional Office immediately. Failure to do so is an offence.
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- All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office: pressoffice.group@daera-ni.gov.uk or telephone: 028 9016 3460.
- The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours’ service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.