A survey carried out by National Sheep Association (NSA) has shown strong demand for bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) vaccines in 2027.
More than 1,400 farmers responded to the NSA survey, with 65% of respondents stating they definitely plan to vaccinate their flock against BTV-3 in 2027.
Many of those surveyed indicated they struggled to obtain vaccine during this season’s outbreak, with 40% stating they could not get hold of it despite trying.
This left farmers with unprotected sheep, which caused stress at a time when the virus was spreading across England, Scotland and Wales.
When asked about ordering vaccine in advance through their vet, 74% of respondents were open to this approach. This level of interest would equate to approximately 350,000 doses.
The survey was released during a key time for farmers buying flock replacements and 73% of respondents told NSA they would prefer to buy vaccinated sheep.
Phil Stocker, NSA chief executive, said: “The impact of the bluetongue outbreak has been very difficult for farmers. Our members have spoken to me about the challenges of obtaining vaccine and the pressure this has placed on their businesses.
“The survey results highlight that early conversations are necessary between farmers, vets and vaccine manufacturers to ensure sufficient supply is available. The supply chain for vaccines, from initial culture through vaccine being available on farm, is not immediate and typically takes several months.
“For farmers, vaccine planning must be treated as a routine part of the flock health plan. Vaccines come with a cost but, as the results show, there is demand for vaccinated animals at sales, and with the losses caused by BTV3 this year most would say that the investment in vaccines has been financially worthwhile.”
The survey ran during a fast-growing outbreak. By the end of September there had been 2,408 confirmed cases of bluetongue in the UK this season, compared with 348 recorded in the whole of 2025/26.
Cases nearly tripled during September, while the survey was open, and restricted zones now cover all of England, Scotland and Wales.
Vaccine use among respondents more than doubled between 2025 and 2026. Demand could fall in a quieter year, so these figures are best read as demand during an outbreak.
Buyer preference for vaccinated sheep has not been measured before, so it is not yet clear whether it will outlast the outbreak.
James Saker, NSA’s communications & marketing manager, added: “The responses to the survey show more can be done to help prevent outbreaks in the future. Thanks to the volume of responses, there is plenty of opportunity to dig deeper into the data and identify other trends.
“Thank you to everyone who completed the survey, and to the organisations that ensured it was seen by as wide an audience as possible, including Livestock Auctioneers Association, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Pinstone, Pirbright, Sheep Veterinary Society, Quality Meat Scotland, Flock Health, Cattlevet, Hybu Cig Cymru and Defra.”
