Vaccination is the only way to protect herds and flocks against increasing cases of Bluetongue serotype-3 (BTV-3), veterinary and livestock industry leaders have said.
Speaking at special briefing organised by the AHDB and the Battle Bluetongue industry group, the Chief Veterinary Officers (CVOs) from England, Wales and Scotland reinforced the need for greater vigilance against BTV-3 and urged farmers to report cases of the disease.
South West England is a current hotspot for BTV-3, but cases have been reported across England and Wales as the hot weather seen this summer favours the lifecycle of the virus.
Christine Middlemiss, UK CVO, said: “Vaccination is the only way to deal with BTV-3. It is carried by midges, so we are calling on all livestock keepers to vaccinate.
“We should also be clear that vaccination does not cause infertility in sheep or cows, contrary to some reports. It is the virus that causes infertility as it leads to temperature spikes in the animals. Vaccination ahead of the breeding season is therefore essential.”
Vaccination costs for BTV-3 range between £2.50-£3 per dose. Sheep typically require a single dose and cattle need two doses, three weeks apart. It is important to talk with your vet about vaccination and dosing.
Dr Middlemiss said there had been 130 confirmed cases of BTV-3 in England since July 1 this year, with four reported in Wales. There have so far been no cases in Scotland.
Of those cases in England, 118 had been in the South West, seven in the North West, seven in the Midlands and one in Yorkshire/Humber.
A case refers to a farm holding which has reported the disease, with several animals potentially infected on individual units, so the numbers only tell part of the story.
Richard Irvine, Wales CVO, said it was critical that farmers source stock responsibly to avoid bringing BTV infected animals onto their holding, know the signs of BTV-3 to look out for and, if they suspected their animals were infected, they should report it immediately to APHA as it’s a notifiable disease.
He added: “The grave concern we all share is not just the spread of the disease, but the fact it is now in high density livestock areas. That is why it is so important for farmers to vaccinate and protect their animals.
“I feel we are potentially on the cusp of something in Wales as we head into the breeding season and therefore the impact BTV-3 could have both this year and next. That is why we need to take action now before we reach the peak of BTV-3 in September and October.”
Sheila Voas, Scotland’s CVO, said while there were currently no cases in Scotland, rigorous winter surveillance had taken place for the disease and she urged farmers on the border with England to be particularly vigilant.
National Beef Association chief executive Neil Shand, along with his National Sheep Association counterpart Phil Stocker, both of whom are involved with the Battle Bluetongue campaign, called on farmers to speak to their vet about vaccinating against BTV-3 and said industry collaboration was key in the fight against the virus.
An urgent webinar was also organised last week to support famers and vets with up to date information and the chance to hear from Defra, industry expert and vets. If you weren’t able to attend, you can access and watch the recording.
