James Runciman said bluetongue cost his farm business at Croxton, near Fakenham, Norfolk an estimated £20,000 when his cattle became infected in spring 2025.
Mr Runciman, who is a member of the NFU East Livestock Board, said the financial impact along with the stress, anxiety and worry for his animals is something he could never go through again.
His entire herd of 700 mainly Aberdeen Angus cattle have now been vaccinated.
With cases of BTV-3, commonly known as bluetongue, increasing at an alarming speed, and vaccination rates at less than 10% of all susceptible animals, he backs the NFU’s calls for others to do the same.
"Vaccination is the best and cheapest insurance"
Mr Runciman said: “I urge farmers to speak to their vets and get their animals vaccinated as quickly as you can.
“Vaccination is the best and cheapest insurance against this disease.
“Vaccination is quick, safe and affordable and a much better option than just rolling the dice and hoping you don’t get bluetongue on your farm.”
Bluetongue is a viral disease that affects sheep, cattle, goats, deer, alpacas and llamas.
The disease is spread by biting midges and does not affect humans or human food safety.
Bluetongue is often fatal in sheep and can cause abortions in cows, temporary infertility in bulls and deformities in newborn calves.
Devastating experience
In spring 2025, Mr Runciman said he lost around 30 breeding calves, an estimated 20% of his calving stock, through aborted pregnancies and dummy calves.
Dummy calves are newborn calves which can initially appear healthy but behave in an uncoordinated and confused way, struggle to stand, are unable to feed from their mother and soon die.
Mr Runciman said: “It was a devastating experience.
“We did not have a vaccine available in this country at the time and there was a lot of confusion about what was happening,
“We saw cows suddenly becoming ill, some were having seizures.
“It was an extremely stressful time - I could not go through that again.”
More than 350 confirmed bluetongue cases have already been recorded in England and Wales during the current vector season.
Don't face this alone
Southwest England is a particular hotspot for the disease and concerns are growing about the spread of the disease in other regions, including East Anglia.
Mr Runciman said: “Going into this winter, I advise farmers to get their animals scanned and fertility test your bulls, because if they’re unvaccinated and you have got bluetongue circulating you will find empty cows and infertile bulls.
"You simply can’t keep them over winter with the lack of forage available.”
He added: “Farmers should know that help and support is available and they do not have to face this alone.
“Speak to your local NFU livestock representatives for advice and support – we are here to help – and contact your vet as soon as possible about vaccination.”