#BattleBluetongue campaign launches encouraging farmers to vaccinate their livestock
26th February 2025
Farmers in England and Wales are being urged to consult their vet about vaccinating their herd or flock against Bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) this spring as part of the new Battle Bluetongue campaign, which has been launched across the ruminant industry.
BTV-3 continues to pose a significant threat to both cattle, sheep, goats and camelids with potential impacts on animal health, productivity, and trade.
As there is no treatment for the disease, slowing its spread through vaccination and restricted movements in affected areas remains the best defence, experts advise.
To aid this, the proactive #BattleBluetongue campaign has been developed by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) and Ruminant Health & Welfare (RH&W) in collaboration with key veterinary and industry associations.
READ MORE: Welsh Government approves Bluetongue vaccines licence for voluntary use
READ MORE: First case of bluetongue serotype 12 confirmed in England
Develop specific battle plans
Dr Amey Brassington, senior animal health and welfare scientist at AHDB, explained why the campaign is urging English and Welsh farmers to have proactive discussions with their vets to assess their risk to BTV-3.
She said: “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.
“Farmers are encouraged to develop farm-specific battle plans with the aim to help increase the level of vaccination for high-risk stock to provide some level of defence against the disease on farms.”
Independent sheep vet specialist, Fiona Lovatt of Flock Health Limited, added that BTV-3 vaccination is crucial in reducing disease spread and its impacts on industry and trade.
She said: “Vaccination is the most effective tool we have to protect the national herd and flock against BTV-3, but it requires action now.
“At present vaccination is only licensed for use in England and Wales from 1st 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 farm midge control tactics.”
For more information on accessing the #BattleBluetongue campaign assets, which include posters and flyers, please visit Ruminant Health & Welfare website or contact RuminantHW@ahdb.org.uk
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