Farmers are being urged to consult their vet about vaccinating livestock against the growing threat of Bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3), with the number of cases having more than doubled since early September.
Veterinary professionals are also encouraging livestock keepers to investigate any low scanning rates in pregnant cattle and sheep, which can often be a sign of Bluetongue infection.
Rising threat
Cases of BTV-3 are spreading to new regions for the first time, including Wales – which recently put a Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) in place in Monmouthshire – plus the west of England and as far north as Greater Manchester.
Dr Mandy Nevel, head of animal health and welfare at AHDB, emphasised that farmers need to stay vigilant to reduce the risk of further spread.
“As there is no treatment for the disease, slowing virus spread through vaccination and trying to limit movements of susceptible livestock wherever possible are really the only tools we have,” said Dr Nevel.
“Though it feels colder, it is still currently warm enough for midges to spread BTV-3. Therefore, it remains essential for farmers to report suspected cases, discuss BTV-3 vaccination with their vets and remain vigilant in spotting clinical signs, including exploring any unexpectedly low scanning rates.”
Farm vet advice
Frances Jones, a farm vet at Aeron Vets and dairy and sheep farmer on the West Wales coast, explains that reporting empty scans is particularly important for farmers in areas hit by Bluetongue.
Mrs Jones said: “While sheep as they tend to show more obvious clinical signs, we know the silent killer of this disease in cattle is its effect on fertility.
“Animals infected early in pregnancy are often shown have higher barren rates, although they weren’t identified as having Bluetongue previously. This is worth noting given cattle don’t often show obvious clinical signs.”
She added: “As well as infertility in both bulls and cows, we also saw in the east of England earlier this year calves being born with ‘dummy calf’ syndrome. Both are devastating for a farmer, especially in suckler herds where so much of your income is dependent on next year’s calf.”
Commenting on why she and her husband chose to vaccinate their own herd of 120 pedigree Holstein dairy cows, and 300-head Charollais-Texel crossbred commercial sheep flock in June 2025, Mrs Jones said it made economic sense to do so.
“We took a serious look at the economics of BTV-3 vaccination, but in addition to protecting against future deaths and milk drop, with the price of stock being high this year it made sense to invest around £5 per animal as an insurance policy for the business and their health,” Mrs Jones said.
Following reports in Wales that there is active midge spread and in further affected areas across the country, Mrs Jones advises other farmers to ask their vets about vaccination as soon as possible.
“You may feel you may have got away without vaccinating this year, but next year is likely to spread further – going by what happened with BTV-3 in the Netherlands,” Mrs Jones said.
“By vaccinating now, you have immunity in your stock going into the higher risk period next year.
“It is also important as a vet to highlight that vaccinating healthy, unaffected animals incurs a much better response rate, so it is best to plan ahead, even though you may think it is too cold or late in the year to do so.”
Battle Bluetongue campaign
The Battle Bluetongue campaign has been developed by AHDB and Ruminant Health & Welfare (RH&W) to encourage farmers to:
- Assess your risk;
- Protect your business; and
- Defend your stock.
Find all Battle Bluetongue resources – including what to look out for, FAQs, past webinars, Bluetongue Movement Checker and Vaccine Calculator (for sheep, beef or dairy animals) here.
