Farmers reminded to vaccinate animals in latest series of bluetongue meetings

Farmers across England will get the chance to better understand the benefits of vaccinating sheep and cattle against the bluetongue BTV-3 virus at a series of special meetings organised by AHDB.

Latest figures published by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) show more than 1,000 confirmed cases of bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) so far in the United Kingdom during the 2026 to 2027 season.

The number of confirmed cases has doubled over the past three weeks with the peak of the outbreak expected at the end of September, depending on seasonal weather conditions.

These meetings will give farmers the chance to hear from experts across the industry and get timely practical information and support related to the disease.

Dr Mandy Nevel, AHDB’s Head of Animal Health and Welfare, said:

"Over the past few weeks we have seen the bluetongue virus spread from the south-west of England and across large areas of England, Wales and Scotland.

"Vaccination firmly remains the single most effective tool available to help protect vulnerable animals. Although vaccine availability has been the subject of much discussion over recent weeks, we are seeing an increase in supply. Farmers who have not yet vaccinated should speak with their local vet to ensure their animals are protected from this deadly disease.

"The key message remains clear: It is not too late to vaccinate."

• Bakewell: 6:30pm, Monday 14 September 2026
• Dursley, Gloucestershire: 6:30pm, Monday 14 September 2026
• Ledbury: 6:30pm, Tuesday 22 September 2026
• York: 6:30pm, Wednesday 23 September 2026
• Lancaster: 6:30pm, Tuesday 29 September 2026

Confirmed BTV-3 cases across the UK in the 2026 to 2027 season as of 9 September stand at 1,015, with 883 cases in England. There are 111 cases in Wales and 21 in Scotland respectively.

Prys Morgan, AHDB’s Beef & Lamb Director, said:

"Bluetongue doesn’t respect country or county boundaries, and neither does our support. We’re working with industry partners including the NFU, APHA, HCC (Meat Promotion Wales) and QMS (Quality Meat Scotland) in the best interests of all livestock across the UK, be that sheep, beef or dairy.

"This is an anxious time for a lot of farm businesses. Speak to your vet, get livestock vaccinated if you haven’t already, and don’t wait for clinical signs before finding out more."

AHDB’s Beef & Lamb Senior Engagement Manager Emma Craig added:

"Although bluetongue has been spreading across the country for some time now, we understand many farmers will still have questions about this virus that experts can help to answer, which is why we are holding these meetings over the coming weeks.

"This is an extremely worrying and stressful time for farmers affected by the disease. AHDB is continuing to provide support and practical guidance to the industry. As well as AHDB’s regional managers, farmers can contact the AHDB Bluetongue virus hotline on 0247 771 0386. It is open Monday to Friday 09:00 BST to 17:00 BST or they can also visit the AHDB website for further information and advice."