As the government reports an increase in the number of reported cases of bluetongue in sheep and cattle, the NFU is reminding its members of the importance of the BTV3 vaccination as a key tool in reducing the impact of the disease.
There has been a total of 320 cases of bluetongue in GB during the current bluetongue season (since 1 July), the majority being serotype 3. 26 cases have been reported in the past month alone.
Vaccination reduces mortality and the severity of clinical signs – they will suppress the virus, not prevent it. So, while they won’t stop animals from becoming infected, they could reduce the impact of the disease on individual animals and therefore provide an animal welfare benefit.
Taking into consideration the recent warmer weather, anticipated spring turnout plus autumn calving, now is a good time to vaccinate herds, particularly as stocks of the BTV3 vaccine, permitted for use in England, Wales and Scotland, are currently good.
The NFU is also reminding keepers of legal obligations to report any abortions or deformed calves. For more information on the legal obligations around suspected cases of bluetongue and notification of abortion or premature calving, read our BTV reporting reminder.
Permitted vaccines
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate has now granted marketing authorisation to two of the three vaccines permitted for use in the UK. Usage is only permitted with a valid licence or declaration.
A general licence is available for livestock keepers in England and Wales:
- England – GOV.UK | General licence for bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) vaccine
- Wales – GOV.WALES | General Licence for Using Inactivated Bluetongue 3 Vaccine
This general licence has been available for all English counties since 18 October 2024. In Wales, the licence became available from 1 March.
From 30 April 2025, the Scottish Government has allowed the voluntary use of approved BTV3 vaccines in Scotland. The declaration with the conditions for vaccination can be found at: GOV.SCOT: Bluetongue: declaration
Reporting vaccinations
If you intend to vaccinate your animals you must comply with the legal conditions of that general licence, including reporting your use within 48 hours of the date of vaccination. To report use of the vaccine, complete an online form at: GOV.UK | Report your use of the bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV3) vaccine
Further information on BTV3 vaccines, including permits and licences, can be found on GOV.UK | Bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) vaccination
Northern Ireland has not licensed the use of BTV3 vaccines but will keep this position under review.
Movements and testing
All movement controls and trade restrictions still apply to BTV3 vaccinated animals.
For Scotland, cattle that have completed treatment with Boehringer 'Bultavo-3' vaccine and show no signs of illness can move from a restricted zone to Scotland without a pre-movement test. Completed treatment means both vaccine doses were given, and 21 days have passed since the second dose.
For Wales, animals that have completed a primary vaccination scheme with any BTV3 vaccine and show no signs of illness can move into Wales without a pre-movement test, under the conditions of a general licence.
You should not test vaccinated animals as part of a pre-movement test in bluetongue zones until at least seven days after their vaccination. This will prevent interference with BTV3 monitoring.
Find out more at:
- GOV.UK | Bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) vaccine: information for keepers
- GOV.WALES | Welsh Government approves Bluetongue vaccines licence for voluntary use
- GOV.SCOT | Bluetongue: How to control the disease
How the vaccines work
Defra has stressed that, unlike other BTV vaccines, these three available vaccines are suppressive, not preventative. This means they will not prevent your animals from being infected or being infectious, although they may reduce the clinical signs experienced.
Therefore all movement controls and trade restrictions in place will still apply to vaccinated animals.
Farmers will need to contact their private vet if they want to use any of the available BTV3 vaccines.
They will need a written prescription from a vet and the vaccine will need to be supplied by the vet. It can be administered by the farmer providing a medicine record is maintained and made available for inspection. Animals must be permanently marked with official IDs.
Vets will need to inform Defra on a weekly basis of the number of doses prescribed and the number of farms to allow Defra to monitor the uptake.
Information on BTV3 vaccines including the SPCs (summaries of product characteristics, permits and licences can be accessed at: GOV.UK | BTV3 vaccine permits.
The general licence for using the inactivated BTV3 vaccine in England can be found at: GOV.UK | General licence for bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV3) vaccine.
If you’re considering vaccination, Defra recommends you start the conversation with your private vet as soon as possible.
It is important that you consider the timings of any vaccination programme and what your future animal movements or buying and selling policy will be.
For more information, visit: GOV.UK | BTV3 vaccine permits.
