Vet Record letter to editor
Bluetongue virus serotypes 3 (BTV-3) and 8 (BTV-8) are now both present in the UK. In the current outbreak, BTV-3 arrived first and is therefore often thought of as the predominant strain. However, and very importantly, both serotypes are present at sufficient levels to create widespread disease this year. Midges, which spread the virus, are dependent on the weather so it is impossible to predict what the future holds. If weather conditions over the next couple of months are optimal for midge populations, we could potentially see an explosive outbreak of both BTV-3 and BTV-8. In contrast, if ‘poor’ weather conditions are observed alongside a good vaccination uptake, we may be able to escape this disaster.
There are vaccines available for both BTV-3 (Bultavo 3, Boehringer Ingelheim; Bluevac-3, Ceva; and Syvazul BTV 3, Laboratorios Syva) and BTV-8 (BTVPUR, Boehringer Ingelheim; and Syvazul BTV, Laboratorios Syva) in the UK. It is important to note there is no cross protection between these serotypes so vaccination with BTV-3 vaccine will not protect against the BTV-8 serotype and vice versa. Currently, no multivalent vaccine for both BTV-3 and BTV-8 is available.
The difficulty for vets in practice is knowing how best to advise their clients as this is not a one-size-fits-all approach. At one end of the scale, farms that have highly valuable and genetically rare animals in the south west of the country may opt to vaccinate all of their stock against both BTV-3 and BTV-8. However, farms situated in the north of Scotland may decide that the risks do not justify vaccination of all animals or the use of vaccines for both serotypes. Most will be somewhere in between and will need to make a risk-based decision. This decision-making process was discussed in detail on a recent vet-focused #BattleBluetongue webinar, held on 15 April 2026 (available at https://ahdb.org.uk/bluetongue-virus-technical-webinars and on YouTube), and a framework for this conversation is outlined in the vaccine decision-maker tool available, along with other resources, at https://ruminanthw.org.uk/bluetongue-virus-hub . The latest situation as the disease evolves can be found at https://bit.ly/4eGayBx
It is crucial we obtain a better understanding of what is going on in the field, which can only be achieved if farmers and vets report suspected BTV cases.
Report suspected cases immediately by calling:
03000 200301 in England
03003 038 268 in Wales
Your local Field Services Office in Scotland
0300 200 7840 or your local DAERA Direct Regional Office in Northern Ireland.
Not only is BTV a notifiable disease – making it an offence to fail to report suspected cases – but it is also not possible to distinguish between the BTV-3 and BTV-8 serotypes on the basis of clinical signs alone. Without confirmation of cases, it makes it very difficult to understand how the disease is evolving and for industry to respond appropriately.
Signed:
Mandy Nevel, Zoe Lloyd, Animal Health and Welfare team AHDB
Rob Williams, President BVA
David Black, President British Cattle Veterinary Association
Phillipa Page, President Sheep Veterinary Society
Ben Dustan, President Goat Veterinary Society
Claire Whitehead, President British Veterinary Camelid Society
Originally published in the Vet Record on
15 May 2026: Bluetongue high‐risk period approaches – Nevel – 2026 – Veterinary Record – Wiley Online Library