Vaccination drive stepped up as bluetongue threat grows

Livestock farmers are being urged to vaccinate cattle and sheep immediately as Bluetongue serotype-3 spreads into some of Britain’s most densely stocked farming areas.

Since 1 July, 130 affected holdings have been confirmed in England, with a further four cases reported in Wales. Scotland has recorded no cases so far.

Each case refers to a farm holding rather than an individual animal, meaning several cattle or sheep could be infected on one unit.

South West England remains the main hotspot, although infections have also been detected elsewhere in England.

Hot weather this summer has created favourable conditions for the midges that transmit the virus.

The warning was issued during a briefing organised by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) and the Battle Bluetongue industry group.

Chief veterinary officers from England, Wales and Scotland urged livestock keepers to contact their vet, vaccinate their animals and report suspected infections promptly.

Vaccination costs around £2.50 to £3 per dose. Sheep generally require one dose, while cattle need two doses administered three weeks apart.

Farmers should speak to their vet about the appropriate vaccine and dosing arrangements for their animals.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK’s chief veterinary officer, 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.”

She also challenged claims that vaccination could cause fertility problems in livestock.

“We should also be clear that vaccination does not cause infertility in sheep or cows, contrary to some reports,” Dr Middlemiss said.

“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.”

Richard Irvine, Wales’ chief veterinary officer, warned that the arrival of the disease in high-density livestock areas was particularly concerning.

“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,” he said.

“That is why it is so important for farmers to vaccinate and protect their animals.”

He said Wales could be approaching a critical period as the breeding season begins and the expected BTV-3 peak draws closer.

“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,” he said.

“That is why we need to take action now before we reach the peak of BTV-3 in September and October.”

Farmers are also being advised to source livestock responsibly to reduce the risk of bringing infected animals on to their holding.

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease, meaning suspected cases must be reported immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.

Scotland’s chief veterinary officer, Sheila Voas, said rigorous winter surveillance had taken place and urged farmers near the border with England to remain particularly vigilant.

National Beef Association chief executive Neil Shand and National Sheep Association chief executive Phil Stocker also encouraged farmers to discuss vaccination with their vets.

Both are involved in the Battle Bluetongue campaign and said cooperation across the livestock industry would be essential to limiting the spread of the virus.

An urgent webinar has also been held to give farmers and vets updated information from Defra, veterinary professionals and industry representatives. A recording is available through the AHDB website.

Farmers have been advised to contact their vet promptly, buy stock responsibly and report any suspected BTV-3 infection without delay.