Ram fertility warning issued as bluetongue cases climb

Sheep farmers are being urged to check the latest bluetongue guidance before tupping, amid concerns that fertility problems in rams may not become apparent until scanning.

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is warning producers to rely on newly published veterinary advice and treat unverified information circulating on farms and online with caution.

The call comes as confirmed BTV-3 cases across the UK have reached 942 premises in the 2026-27 bluetongue season.

England accounts for 811 cases, with 110 confirmed in Wales and 21 in Scotland. No cases have been recorded in Northern Ireland.

The timing is particularly important as farmers prepare rams for autumn mating and sales.

Bluetongue is a viral disease spread primarily by biting midges and can affect sheep and other ruminants, with infection potentially affecting ram fertility.

The NSA has highlighted two new sources of guidance designed to help farmers assess the risks to breeding rams ahead of tupping.

AHDB has published a series of fact checks through the Ruminant Health and Welfare bluetongue virus hub, while the Sheep Veterinary Society has updated its guidance on breeding soundness checks for rams.

The veterinary guidance sets out the potential damage the virus can cause to ram fertility and advises farmers on how far ahead of mating rams should be assessed.

Both resources are free to access and do not require membership of an organisation.

NSA chief executive Phil Stocker said the fast-moving disease situation had contributed to conflicting advice reaching farmers.

“Bluetongue has moved quickly this year, and the questions coming into the NSA office show how much conflicting advice is going around,” he said.

“Rams are where poor information costs the most, because a fertility problem picked up in September does not show itself until scanning, and by then nothing can be done.”

He added: “The guidance published in the last fortnight is written by vets, it is free, and it takes 20 minutes to read. That is a good use of 20 minutes at this time of year.”

Farmers buying rams this autumn for movement into Scotland also face an important rule change.

From Thursday 10 September 2026, susceptible animals moving into Scotland to live from a bluetongue restricted zone in England, Wales, Northern Ireland or the Isle of Man must have completed an authorised BTV-3 vaccination course.

At least 21 days must also have passed since the vaccination course was completed.

The requirement means vaccination needs to be planned ahead of the intended sale or movement date rather than arranged afterwards.

Buyers are being advised to check the latest requirements with the Scottish Government before travelling, as movement rules have changed several times during the season.

Farmers are also being reminded to report animals showing suspected clinical signs.

Defra funds diagnostic testing for up to three affected animals where suspect clinical signs are reported.

A national bluetongue case map also shows premises across Great Britain where one or more animals have tested positive for the disease by PCR.

The NSA said farmers should discuss vaccination, ram assessment and any planned movements into Scotland with their vet rather than waiting for a fertility or disease problem to emerge.

It is also encouraging producers to rely on recognised veterinary and industry sources when making decisions about bluetongue.

The organisation will continue sharing AHDB and Sheep Veterinary Society guidance through its weekly email updates and social media channels throughout the tupping period.