Farmers urged to consider using BTV-3 vaccines
24th June 2025
GB chief veterinary officers have urged farmers to consider the benefits of vaccination against bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3).
Together with the AHDB, Ruminant Health and Welfare and other industry stakeholders, they are urging farmers and vets to discuss the use of available BTV-3 vaccines, where appropriate.
Bluetongue virus 3 (BTV) has had devastating effects on sheep and cattle on mainland Europe. In Great Britain, the virus was largely restricted to the east of England in 2024 with a generally low level of clinical signs, but as we move into the new vector season, the virus is known to have overwintered here and to be present in parts of the west of England. Its potential impacts are now greater, the experts warn.
A spokesperson for chief veterinary officers said: “The restrictions in England last year reduced spread of virus north and west. Now we have available vaccines, licensed for use in England, Scotland and Wales; they should be considered for use across GB to provide protection to livestock health and welfare and to reduce the spread of Bluetongue.
“The pharmaceutical companies manufacturing the three BTV-3 vaccine products – Bultavo-3, Bluevac-3 and Syvazul BTV 3 – are working closely with the industry to ensure vaccine supply is available to meet demand.
“Given the extent of virus spread in England and the impact that dividing the country with a Restricted Zone (RZ) has for industry, versus the now limited benefit, an all-England RZ will come into place on 1st July.”
‘Protecting animal health and welfare’
Devolved governments in Scotland and Wales will still require pre-movement testing of animals coming from a restricted zone in most cases. These requirements will be kept under regular review and are designed to strike a balance between disease prevention and the functional operation of farms and trade, chief veterinary officers confirmed.
“We appreciate it makes for difficult decisions for farmers, markets, shows and abattoirs operating across nations, particularly in and around border areas, but our collective veterinary advice remains clear; the time for vets and farmers to discuss vaccinating livestock against BTV-3 is now.
“The primary purpose of vaccination is to protect animal health and welfare, not to facilitate trade. Vaccination is the most effective tool available to prevent disease, minimise suffering, and reduce the spread of Bluetongue virus in exposed animals,” they added.
The Ruminant Health and Welfare Group encourages farmers to use the range of Bluetongue-related resources freely available online at its bluetongue virus hub.
These include tools to aid vets and farmers in developing farm-specific strategies to protect their herds and flocks and make decisions on the use of BTV-3 vaccines.
Chief veterinary officers said that they regularly review the situation and will adapt our guidance as evidence and circumstances evolve.
Calls for united front
Following the recent news about new bluetongue controls in Wales, Tony Goodger, head of communications at AIMS, said that the association would like to see all GB governments come together and have a single approach to livestock movements.
“We can manage BTV-3 through a joined-up approach and a single clear message to the ruminant livestock industry,” he concluded.
READ MORE: Bluetongue restricted zone set to cover all of England
READ MORE: Wales: Concerns raised as new bluetongue controls have been announced
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