17/09/2026
RAIN, WARM WEATHER AND THE RISING RISK OF BLUETONGUE DISEASE
The arrival of seasonal rain and warmer weather brings welcome grazing, but it also creates favourable conditions for the biting midges that transmit vector-borne diseases such as bluetongue.
Bluetongue is a viral disease that can cause severe illness, particularly in sheep. Farmers should watch for signs such as fever, loss of appetite, excessive salivation, nasal discharge, swelling of the lips, tongue and face, difficulty breathing, lameness or inflammation around the hooves, wool breakage and rapid weight loss. Severely affected sheep may die.
The consequences can be costly. Beyond mortalities, affected flocks may suffer reduced growth, loss of condition, poor wool quality, reproductive losses and lower overall productivity. Treatment and additional labour further increase the financial burden on the farmer.
VACCINATE BEFORE THE RISK INCREASES
Vaccination remains the most effective protection against bluetongue. Only healthy animals should be vaccinated, and the full vaccination programme must be administered correctly, at the recommended intervals and before the high-risk season. Farmers should always follow the vaccine label and consult their veterinarian or animal health technician when uncertain.
The OBP BLUETONGUE Vaccine for Sheep is a live, attenuated vaccine supplied as three separate components—Bottles A, B and C—to provide protection against multiple strains of the bluetongue virus. Each component plays an important role in building broad protection and must be administered in the correct sequence, at the intervals specified on the product label. Skipping a bottle or failing to complete the full programme may leave animals inadequately protected.
The vaccine must be stored and handled correctly to preserve its effectiveness.
Vaccination protects healthy animals; it does not treat sheep that are already sick.
SUPPORT AFFECTED ANIMALS WITH TaliMune SUPER
Animals affected by bluetongue often stop eating and become weak as their bodies fight the infection. TaliMune SUPER provides rapid nutritional and immune support during this critical period. It helps restore appetite, supports general immunity and gives affected animals the additional support they need to recover faster.
Early recognition, appropriate supportive care and professional veterinary guidance can make a meaningful difference to an animal’s chances of recovery.
Do not wait until bluetongue begins costing you animals. Vaccinate healthy sheep correctly and support affected animals promptly.
Visit your nearest retailer and ask for the OBP Bluetongue Vaccine for Sheep and TaliMune SUPER.
Vaccination protects. TaliMune SUPER supports recovery.
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