This spring a new Battle Bluetongue campaign launched across the ruminant industry is urging farmers in England and Wales to vaccinate their herd and flock against Bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3).
Impacting animal health, productivity and trade, BTV-3 remains a threat to cattle, sheep, goats and camelids. As there is no treatment, the best defence is to slow its spread through vaccination and restricted movements.
Key veterinary and industry associations are collaborating in a #BattleBluetongue campaign with the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) and Ruminant Health and Welfare (RH&W).
Senior animal health scientist at AHDB, Dr Amey Brassington, explains why the campaign is urging farmers to assess their risk to BTV-3 with their vets.
“By working through the new resource produced for the campaign with their vet – a vaccine decision maker tool – farmers can understand their BTV-3 risk to then defend their stock by vaccinating the right animals.”
Additionally, “Farmers are encouraged to develop farm-specific battle plans to help increase the level of vaccination for high-risk stock.”
The campaign is encouraging farmers to:
- ASSESS YOUR RISK
- PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS
- DEFEND YOUR STOCK
Sheep vet specialist, Fiona Lovatt of Flock Health Limited says, “Vaccination is the most effective tool we have to protect the national herd and flock”, while also reducing impacts on industry and trade.
“At present vaccination is only licensed for use in England – and Wales from 1 March – however we continue to encourage vets and farmers across the UK to make sure they are aware of how BTV-3 is transmitted and take caution to protect their herds or flocks by following evidence based on farm midge control tactics.”
For more information on the #BattleBluetongue campaign assets, including posters and flyers visit https://ruminanthw.org.uk/bluetongue-virus/battle-bluetongue-campaign-2025/ or contact RuminantHW@ahdb.org.uk.
Find BTV-3 resources, FAQs, webinars and live updates via Bluetongue Virus – Ruminant Health & Welfare
