Battle Bluetongue information page
This page will be updated regularly with information relating to the evaluation of vaccinating livestock against BTV-3.
If you have any queries please email RuminantHW@ahdb.org.uk
Please visit our bluetongue hub and resources page for live updates, FAQs, webinars and further information.
Two farmer surveys launched 03/11/26
1. What is the impact of Bluetongue in the UK in 2026? – an industry-led survey
We are aware of how severe an impact BTV3 is having on livestock industries in the UK in 2026. We want to hear from all farmers to understand how BTV has impacted flocks and herds whether you have had confirmation of bluetongue in your livestock or not.
We are also interested to hear your views on vaccinating against BTV, so the industry can support and prepare for the disease’s on-going impact.
If you choose to provide your contact email, you’ll receive a summary of the survey results and may be contacted for follow-up surveys. Your responses will remain anonymous unless you provide your contact details. We only ask for your farm’s postcode to help map responses by area. If you manage more than one farm, please complete a separate survey for each.
For the survey click here: What is the impact of Bluetongue in the UK in 2026? – an industry-led survey
2. RESULTS NOW AVAILABLE FOR THE NSA SURVEY – Will you be vaccinating against bluetongue in 2027?
NSA have completed the survey and have gathered the numbers manufacturers need to plan production, so that vaccine is there when you want and need it.
Find out the results here: Vaccine survey shows strong demand for BTV-3 vaccines
Battle Bluetongue campaign launched for 2025
Farmers in England, Scotland and Wales are being urged to consult their vet about vaccinating their herd or flock against Bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) as part of a ‘battle bluetongue’ campaign which is running across industry.
As there is no treatment for the disease, BTV-3 continues to pose a significant threat to both cattle, sheep, goats and camelids, with potential impacts on animal health, productivity, and trade. Therefore, slowing the disease spread through vaccination and restricted movements in affected areas remains the best defence.
The proactive campaign #BattleBluetongue has been developed by Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) and Ruminant Health & Welfare (RH&W) in collaboration with key veterinary and industry associations.
The campaign is directing farmers to have proactive discussions with their vets to assess their risk to BTV-3.
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.
Farmers are being encouraged to:
ASSESS YOUR RISK
PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS
DEFEND YOUR STOCK
Three BTV-3 vaccines have been permitted for use. Two of these have been granted a marketing authorisation by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), and the third is unauthorised. You can only use these vaccines if your use is compliant with a valid licence or declaration.
For more information on the BTV-3 vaccines including permits and licences visit Bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) vaccination.
Where you can use the BTV-3 vaccines
You can use these vaccines in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. In:
- England you must comply with the legal conditions of the general licence for England, including reporting vaccine use
- Wales you must comply with the legal conditions of the general licence for Wales, including reporting vaccine use
- Scotland you must comply with the Bluetongue declaration for Scotland, including reporting vaccinating cattle and sheep and reporting vaccinating other susceptible species
- Northern Ireland you must apply for a specific licence for Northern Ireland and comply with the legal conditions within the licence, including reporting vaccine use in Northern Ireland
Social media artwork:
- Social media post image: importance of timely BTV Vaccination
- Social media post image BTV clinical signs in cattle and sheep
- Social media post image: know the signs of BTV
- Social media post image: vaccination reminder
- Social media post image: BTV-3_Infection in calves
Resources:
- Bluetongue information flyer
- Bluetongue Myth Busting Flyer
- BTV-3 in calves fact sheet
- BTV-3 vaccination finance calculator (beef) | AHDB
- BTV-3 vaccination finance calculator (dairy) | AHDB
- BTV-3 vaccination finance calculator (sheep) | AHDB
- Vaccine decision maker tool – 2026
- ‘Is it too late to vaccinate’ tool
- Share the #BattleBluetongue message on social media
- Print a poster for your farm office to help promote #BattleBluetongue steps.
ASSESS YOUR RISK
PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS
DEFEND YOUR STOCK
If faced with challenges, there are a number of resources you can access and charities that you can contact for support.
Support for farmers – mental health | AHDB
RABI – 0800 188 4444
FCN – 03000 111 999
YANA – 0300 323 0400
Addington Fund – 01926 620135
DPJ Foundation– 0800 587 4262
We Are Farming Minds – 0808 802 0070 / Text – 07786 203 130
Forage Aid – 01926 620135
Mind Charity – 0300 123 3393
Samaritans – 116 123
C.A.L.L (Wales) 0800 132 737
RSABI (Scotland) – 0800 1234 555