NFU warns farmers as bluetongue cases top 200

The NFU is urging livestock farmers to consider vaccination as bluetongue cases continue to climb across England and Wales, warning that BTV-3 poses a growing threat to the sector.

More than 200 cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 have been confirmed during the current vector season, including 31 new cases in England on Thursday 6 August alone.

The South West has emerged as a particular area of concern, with Devon and Cornwall among the hotspots.

Hot, dry weather has favoured the biting midges responsible for spreading the virus between livestock.

Biting midges are mainly active between April and November, with their activity and the risk of bluetongue transmission influenced by temperature and other weather conditions.

Clare Wise, NFU Acting Livestock Board Chair, said: “The past few days have been a stark reminder that bluetongue poses a serious and growing threat to the UK livestock sector and it’s not going away any time soon.”

Earlier this week, chief veterinary officers from England, Wales and Scotland also urged livestock keepers to speak to their vet, vaccinate their animals and promptly report suspected infections.

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.”

Vaccination costs around £2.50 to £3 per dose, with sheep generally requiring one dose and cattle two doses given three weeks apart.

Farmers are being advised to discuss the appropriate vaccine and dosing arrangements with their vet, taking account of the circumstances on individual holdings.

Wise said vaccination was proving to be the strongest protection available as the virus continued to spread.

“Vaccination is proving to be the most effective shield against the disease, which is spread by biting midges, and may offer greater confidence and resilience as the industry navigates the challenges the disease presents.”

The NFU has also welcomed efforts by vaccine manufacturers to increase availability as concern over BTV-3 grows.

The virus can affect animal health and productivity, disrupt livestock movements and trade, and create significant financial and operational pressure for farm businesses.

Alongside vaccination, farmers are taking practical steps to reduce livestock exposure to biting midges.

These include moving higher-risk or unvaccinated animals away from wet, low-lying and sheltered areas.

Some vulnerable livestock are also being housed around dawn and dusk, when midge activity is at its highest.

The NFU warned that these precautions are adding pressure during an already challenging period of dry weather, particularly on forage stocks.

Wise said farmers should assess the risks on their holdings and consider the range of measures available with their vet.

“As the disease continues to spread at an alarming rate, it’s important to assess the risks and consider all the tools available by speaking to the farm vet.”

The union said a co-ordinated response across the livestock sector would also be important in limiting the impact of BTV-3.

“A coordinated approach across the industry will give us the best chance of reducing the impact of bluetongue,” Wise said.

Middlemiss has meanwhile 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.”