Statement: GB Chief Veterinary Officers urge vets and farmers to consider the benefits of vaccination against BTV-3
The Chief Veterinary Officers of GB, together with the AHDB, Ruminant Health and Welfare and other industry stakeholders are urging vets and farmers 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 (GB), 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 may have overwintered here and be present in parts of the west of England, the potential impacts are now greater.
The restrictions in England last year reduced spread of virus north and west. Now we have available vaccines, licenced 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.
The 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.
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.
The Ruminant Health and Welfare Group have a range of Bluetongue-related resources freely available online Bluetongue Virus Hub – Ruminant Health & Welfare. 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.
We are regularly reviewing the situation and will adapt our guidance as evidence and circumstances evolve.
Co-signed by:
Dr Christine Middlemiss CB
UK Chief Veterinary Officer
Dr Sheila Voas
Chief Veterinary Officer for Scotland
Dr Richard Irvine
Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales
Dr Mandy Nevel
Head of Animal Health & Welfare for AHDB
Gwyn Jones
Chairman for Ruminant Health & Welfare
