Vaccination cost calculator launched to help Battle Bluetongue

We have developed a new BTV-3 vaccination cost calculator for sheep; a beef cattle calculator will also be available soon.

Commenting on using the calculator to understand the return from investing in BTV-3 vaccination, Mike Gooding, a sheep farmer and Farming Systems Director at AHDB, said:

“I used the AHDB calculator looking at my flock of Romney sheep to understand the cost-benefit of vaccinating and this led to an extended discussion with my farm vet to consider both the risks of a bluetongue outbreak and when best to fit vaccination into my flock health plan.

“Farming in Oxfordshire, and now within the bluetongue zone, this has sharpened my focus, and the calculator and discussion with my vet has helped me properly assess the options and the risks.”

This calculator has been added to the armoury of resources available for vets and farmers to use in the Battle Bluetongue vaccination campaign.

Battle Bluetongue was launched in February 2025 and was developed by AHDB and the Ruminant Health & Welfare (RH&W) group in collaboration with key veterinary and industry associations.

With BTV-3 continuing to pose a significant threat to ruminants, the industry is being urged to consider how to help slow disease spread.

AHDB Head of Animal Health and Welfare Mandy Nevel explains why the calculator has been developed to help slow infection rates.

“As there is no treatment for this disease, which continues to play havoc with trade and animal movements, vaccination and restricted movements in affected areas remain our best defence.

“Experienced vets from the RH&W BTV-3 working group have been involved in testing the BTV-3 vaccination finance calculator developed by AHDB. It is hoped that the simple-to-use tool will help farmers and vets calculate the cost of vaccination for sheep and beef cattle against bluetongue virus – and enable them to make the best decision for their farm.

“A bespoke dairy calculator will also be released as soon as possible. We are working hard behind the scenes to make this as robust a tool as possible for the diverse dairy farming systems we have in the UK.”

Battle Bluetongue webinar

A webinar to explain the benefits of using the calculator, and a live demonstration on how to use it, is taking place at 5pm on Wednesday 26 March.

A technical update on BTV-3 and recent findings will be provided as well as a practical update from vets Fiona Lovatt and Joe Henry.