Latest Ruminant Health & Welfare news
Vets and stakeholders across the ruminant sector are being urged to support a new industry campaign which encourages farmers in England to consult their vet about vaccinating their herd or flock against Bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) this spring.
BTV-3 continues to pose a significant threat to cattle, sheep, goats and camelids – with potential impacts on animal health, productivity, and trade.
As there is no treatment for the virus, prevention through vaccination – currently available in England only – and restricted movements in affected areas remain the best defence.
The proactive campaign – ‘Battle Bluetongue’ – has been developed by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) and Ruminant Health & Welfare (RH&W) in collaboration with key veterinary and industry associations.
Dr Amey Brassington, senior animal health and welfare scientist at AHDB says vets will play a vital role in the Battle Bluetongue campaign.
“They can work through the vaccine decision maker tool that has been developed to help farmers assess their risk to BTV-3; this will allow farmers to defend their stock by vaccinating the right animals,” she explains.
“The aim of the campaign is to increase the level of vaccination against this vector borne virus to stop the spread once we are in the high-risk midge season.”
To assist veterinary practices in promoting #BattleBluetongue and working with their clients to develop farm-specific battle plans against the disease, a comprehensive pack of campaign resources has been put together; this includes farmer workshop guides, FAQs and a vaccine decision maker tool.
“These have been created by a collaborative group of expert vets to support farm vets to have constructive discussions with their farmer clients about battling the disease and protecting their livestock,” says Dr Brassington.
Independent sheep vet expert, Fiona Lovatt of Flock Health Limited, reiterates why BTV-3 vaccination is crucial in reducing disease spread and its impacts on industry and trade.
She says: “Vaccination is the most effective tool we have to protect the national herd and flock against BTV-3, but it requires action now.
“Vets are uniquely placed to ensure farmers are informed and supported in making the right decisions for their livestock.”
Dr Lovatt adds: “Currently the use of the vaccine has been authorised under licence in England only, however we continue to encourage vets and farmers in all devolved nations to make sure they are aware of how BTV-3 is transmitted and take caution against misinformation about protecting their herds or flocks.”
Supporting the need for constructive conversations on this important issue, Dr Ami Sawran from Westpoint Farm Vets in Chelmsford, and secretary of British Camelid Veterinary Society (BCVS) says:
“Living in an area which was a BTV-3 restricted zone for much of 2024 I can see how panic can set in among farmers about the future, so it is important we are all well versed in what the vaccination options are and how to assess risk.
“This campaign highlights how vital it is for famers to be making a ‘battle plan’ with vets in good time for potential outbreaks.”
The three key messages for the campaign are:
- ASSESS YOUR RISK – vets and farmers working together to evaluate the risk to BTV-3 on farms by using the ‘vaccine decision maker tool’ together
- PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS – safeguard businesses from restrictions by managing all identified risks that can be controlled on livestock holdings
- DEFEND YOUR STOCK – vaccinate the right animals for BTV-3 to reduce transmission and stop the spread.
Sign up for launch webinar
A webinar designed specifically for vets to talk through the toolkit is taking place on Wednesday 26 February from 5-6 pm. It will feature presentations and a Q&A session with expert vets and AHDB head of animal health and welfare, Mandy Nevel.
Please sign up via AHDB’s webinar platform to follow live or receive a recording.
For more information on accessing the #BattleBluetongue campaign pack for vets, visit or contact RuminantHW@ahdb.org.uk
