“The distribution of the vaccine is taking a little longer than expected,” says the president of the FRSEA of Hauts-de-France

In France, the number of cases of bluetongue is exploding with 190 outbreaks detected on Friday. Currently, vaccines are delivered “around six to seven days” after the order according to Simon Ammeux.

“The distribution of the vaccine is taking a little longer than expected, but it is moving in the right direction”says Simon Ammeux, the president of the Regional Federation of Farmers’ Unions (FRSEA) of Hauts-de-France, on franceinfo, Saturday August 24, while the number of outbreaks of bluetongue (BT) explodes in France. It has quadrupled in eight days, going from 41 to 190, according to the Ministry of Agriculture. Simon Ammeux “demands new waves of vaccine purchases” against this disease which mainly affects sheep and ewes, but also cattle.

According to the president of the FRSEA of Hauts-de-France, vaccines are currently being delivered “around six to seven days” after ordering. “The first ones were able to start vaccinating at the end of last week and it’s coming as orders come in”continues the farmer.

Another avenue being considered to slow the spread of FCO is the disinfestation of animals, but “Product availability is starting to get a little limited”explains Simon Ammeux. Indeed, “It’s a time when we usually use insect repellent.”SO “the operators had not necessarily anticipated a slightly higher order than usual”he adds.

In addition to the extra workload, because it is necessary “restrain animals to vaccinate or disinfect them”insecticides are the responsibility of the operator, recalls the union representative. “It can represent a relatively significant cost, up to 10 euros per animal, knowing that the operation must be repeated regularly, every two to three weeks, so it can quickly mount up.”he specifies.

To prevent the spread of the disease, “a perimeter is created to limit movements” livestock within a 150 km radius of the contaminated areas, explains Simon Ammeux. “It creates complexities in the markets, but for now it is relatively minor.”says the breeder.