Watch again: NFU bluetongue webinar – latest situation and practical steps from experts
24 August 2026, 12:30 – 13:30
Virtual Event
Bluetongue is an increasing risk to livestock. Watch this free NFU webinar to hear the latest on BTV-3 and get practical advice on vaccination, livestock movements, disease reporting and the steps you can take now to protect your animals and your business.
As the rapid spread of bluetongue continues to impact livestock farms across England and Wales, the NFU and NFU Cymru brought together a panel of industry experts to share information on the current situation and the steps producers can take to minimise the risk of disease on their farm.
Watch again chapters:
- Bluetongue picture so far from NFU President Tom Bradshaw 00:00
- Update from Ele Brown UK DCVA, APHA 04:29
- Bluetongue from a Wales perspective 09:14
- Update from Dr Richard Irvine CVO Wales 10:34
- Farmer story from NFU President Tom Bradshaw 17:53
- Update from Rebecca Veale | Govt Affairs Manager, Boehringer 19:09
- Experience from livestock farmer Richard Stanbury 26:20
- Multi-strain vaccine news from Boehringer 39:54
- Update from Dairy Board Chair Ian Harvey 41:29
- Q&A 46:58
Who should watch?
Livestock keepers, farm workers, farm apprentices, family members involved in day-to-day stock management.
Hear from an expert panel
Tom Bradshaw
Tom farms in partnership with his wife, Emily, and his parents in North Essex. Alongside a small owned farm they run a larger contract farming business growing a range of combinable crops across 950 hectares in North East Essex.
Abi Reader
Abi is a third-generation mixed farmer, farming in partnership with her parents and uncle in Wenvoe, just outside Cardiff.
Dr Richard Irvine
Dr Irvine joined the Welsh Government in March 2023 having been UK Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer, and policy Deputy Director for Global Animal Health in the UK Government.
A highly experienced veterinarian, Richard has worked in the profession for more than 25 years and brings with him a wealth of knowledge and expertise, with a background in animal health and welfare, trade policy, as well as science and state veterinary medicine.
Ele Brown
Eleanor (Ele) Brown is the UK’s DCVO (Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer) with a focus on national animal health and welfare issues.
Rebecca Veale
We're awaiting Rebecca's profile and will publish it as soon as we can.
Clare Wise
Clare is a mixed farmer from County Durham, farming sheep, cattle and arable. Following a career within the food chain, Clare returned home to run her fifth generation family farm.
Ian Harvey
Ian helps run a family farm partnership milking 180 cows with 180 followers on approximately 400 acres in Cornwall.
Cat McLaughlin
Catherine (Cat) McLaughlin is the NFU's Chief Animal Health and Welfare Adviser and is currently serving as a director of RUMA Agriculture after serving as its chair for six years.
More information on bluetongue
