Time running out to vaccinate for bluetongue, NSA says
21st August 2025
The deadline is imminent for those who haven’t yet vaccinated to enter the NSA’s main ram sale this year.
NSA Wales & Border Ram Sale is urging flockmasters to ensure they vaccinate against bluetongue in time for its main ram sale next month at the Royal Welsh Showground.
Timing is tight as all sheep need to have been vaccinated at least 21 days prior to the sale on 22ndSeptember, and with the August Bank Holiday fast approaching, the time frame to enter has been shortened.
Sale organisers are urging potential vendors not to wait for the Welsh Government to refine bluetongue regulations further, as they will still need to vaccinate.
NSA Wales & Border Ram Sale executive director Jane Smith said: “We are delighted with the entry numbers for Builth and consignors will be relieved that no pre-movement testing will be required from 22nd September according to Welsh Government stated intentions.
“We will be operating a ‘green market’ requiring all sheep to have been BTV vaccinated.”
All vendors will be sent the paperwork with instructions to facilitate easy completion required for the sale. The form needs name of vendor, what sheep are brought, what vaccine used, the date and the name and contact details of the veterinary practice.
Meanwhile preparations for the sale are well in hand with 3,000 quality tups entered. The Suffolks have, for the first time in a few years, entered yearlings in the MV ring and moved up to Hall 2 adjacent to the Texels.
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