11 March 2026
With the warmer months approaching, livestock farmers are encouraged to act now and vaccinate their stock against the Bluetongue Virus (BTV). Get ahead of the midge season and protect your animals.
Bluetongue is a viral disease that affects ruminants such as sheep, cattle, goats and deer, also camelids such as llamas and alpacas.
It is primarily spread by biting midges (Culicoides species) but can sometimes be passed from infected dam to offspring or during mating.
The message from vets and industry experts is simple: Immunity isn't instant. The Bluetongue vaccine takes several weeks to develop protection in sheep and cattle. “Vaccination is now the only tool left in the box, there is no treatment” advises Phil Thomas BVetMed from Iechyd Da.
The Reality of BTV-3
Bluetongue isn't just a health issue; it’s a massive hit to the farm's bottom line. Even if animals survive the virus, the long-term damage can be devastating:
- Production loss: Sudden and severe "milk drop" in dairy herds
- Animal loss: Dummy calves, abortions
- Fertility issues: Rams and bulls can be left infertile, ruining the breeding season
- Welfare crisis: Swelling, lameness, and breathing difficulties cause immense suffering
Bluetongue risk
- Local midges: areas where there has been disease already, e.g. English/Welsh borders
- Midges that can be blown across the water from infected areas, e.g. from Devon, Cornwall or the East coast of Ireland
- Livestock that are carrying the virus in their blood can then infect the local midges in your area
Be vigilant with tack stock returning from infected areas as they have potential to carry BTV to your farm. As always, it’s important to source animals responsibly and ensure you are not buying more than you bargained for.
Why the rush?
Bluetongue virus is spread by biting midges rather than animal contact, your herd or flock is at risk even if you run a strictly closed holding.
Once temperatures consistently hit 12°C, midge activity surges—if you wait to see the insects or hear of a local case, your livestock are already at risk.
Fiona Lovatt who is a vet from Flock Health and specialises in sheep health and production advised “If I had valuable stock, I would definitely be vaccinating my breeding cows and ewes. They need to be fully protected by least 3 weeks before June and, for cattle that means having had both doses by then.”
What you need to do today
- Phone the vet: Check vaccine availability and get your name on the list.
- Plan the calendar: Work out your dosing schedule so your animals have full immunity before the peak midge season hits.
Movement and transmission risks
Moving livestock over long distances requires caution, as transporting an infected animal into a BTV-3-free area or holding can infect the local midge population and trigger a new outbreak.
To further prevent mechanical spread, it is vital to use high hygiene standards during veterinary procedures. BTV can be spread via needles during injection; therefore, needles should ideally be changed between every animal, particularly in high-risk areas or during peak vector periods.
Environmental control and animal housing
Midge activity is typically highest at dusk and dawn, so housing animals during these times may reduce the risk of infection.
Additionally, producers should ensure their stock is in peak health, as concurrent diseases (such as BVDv or parasitism) and poor nutrition can weaken an animal's immune system and reduce its ability to respond effectively to vaccination.
Risks of vaccinating?
There is no scientific evidence to suggest that administering the bluetongue vaccine during pregnancy increases the risk of abortion any more than administering other standard vaccines.
Abi Reader of Goldsland Farm and NFU Cymru President is an advocate for the Bluetongue Virus (BTV) vaccination. She manages a year-round calving herd. “A large proportion of our livestock were at different stages of pregnancy when we vaccinated, but we didn’t hesitate,” Abi explained. “The risk to their health from the virus was simply far greater than the risk of vaccination.” Following the success of this approach she confirmed they will continue the protocol moving forward.
However, the actual bluetongue virus poses a severe threat to livestock because it can cause abortions, stillbirths, and the birth of weak calves.
To ensure the safety and health of your animals, you should consult with a veterinarian to determine the most effective timing for vaccination within your herd or flock, and more information can be found on vaccination here.
More information on what vaccine availability, dosage requirement, immunity period and more can be discovered here and information on reporting your use of the bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) vaccine here!
Fiona Lovatt explained that “Bluetongue is a horrible disease – unfortunately we have so far seen it cause a lot of sheep deaths across Europe and significant issues with cattle fertility in the UK – the virus causes cows to either lose their pregnancy or they produce dummy calves that can’t survive. Vaccination is the only reliable protection against the disease”
Phil Thomas encourages farmers to think ahead and act now, your livestock need a head start to build full immunity. “Vaccination is an insurance policy, get yourselves the best cover possible” To reduce your risk, pick up the phone today, speak to your vet, and protect your stock.
Bluetongue is still notifiable, so tell your vet or call the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) office if you suspect Bluetongue on 0300 303 8268. Q&A and further information can be found here!