BLUE TONGUE VACCINE

Bluevac is a family of a modified live virus vaccines recommended for immunization for healthy, non-pregnant sheep against blue tongue caused by birulent field-strain virus. There are currently three vaccines available for protection against the three strains of bluetongue virus present in California. Bluevac-10 immunizes sheep against International Type 10 virus; similarly, Bluevac-11 immunizes against International Type 11 virus, and Bluevac-17 immunizes against International Type 17 virus. Each vaccine strain will only promote immunity against its homologous field strain virus; there is no cross protection afforded. If disease occurs in vaccinated sheep, it is important that laboratory assistance be obtained to identify the agent causing it. Laboratory studies and field trails have demonstrated that the modified virus used in these products will not cause disease in vaccinated animals, but will produce a satisfactory strain-specific immunity.

Time to Vaccinate

Bluetongue disease occurs primarily during the months of summer and early fall. For this reason animals should be vaccinated in the spring or early summer to establish immunity before outbreaks occur. IMPORTANT: DO NOT VACCINATE PREGNANT ANIMALS. The use of this vaccine in pregnant ewes may produce abnormal lambs. While the vaccine does not affect the ewe the fetus may be affected, especially if vaccine is administered during the first third of pregnancy.

Preparation of the Vaccine

  1. Peel the aluminum cap on both bottles to expose the rubber stoppers.
  2. Remove 10cc of the liquid diluents with a sterile syringe and needle.
  3. Inject the diluents into the vial containing the freeze-dried vaccine. Shake until the vaccine is completely dissolved.
  4. Remove the restored vaccine with the same syringe and needle and inject into the bottle containing the diluents.
  5. Shake and use immediately.

Precautions

  1. Any syringe and needle used to dilute the vaccine should be cleaned, and be sterilized by boiling in water for 15 minutes. Chemically sterilized syringes and needles should not be used because the chemicals may be injurious to the virus and render the vaccine ineffective.
  2. Change needles after each injection.
  3. Fill syringes directly from the vaccine container.
  4. For use only in healthy non-pregnant sheep. Use in cattle is prohibited.
  5. Do not vaccinate 21 days before slaughter.
  6. Store this vaccine in the dark at not over 45 degrees.
  7. Contents should be used promptly after vaccine is restored to liquid.
  8. Burn this container and all unused contents.

Dosage

The diluted vaccine is administered subcutaneously in a 2cc dose. The dose is the same regardless of the size or age of the animal.

Pricing:

$32/100dose vial for each strain