Intervet has developed an inactivated vaccine for the aid in the prevention of BTV 8 infection. It contains an inactivated virus strain isolated from one of the outbreaks that took place in Europe in 2006, alongside a dual adjuvant system that ensures the delivery of both a cell-mediated and a humoral response.
Independent challenge studies have shown that the vaccine can prevent viraemia in sheep following a single dose. Studies in cattle have shown that vaccination can reduce the level and the duration of the viraemia following a vaccination course comprising two doses given three weeks apart.
It is recommended that the vaccination program is completed prior to the risk period. The risk period is associated with the time of the year during which midges are active.