Farmers urged to prepare now for 2027 bluetongue threat

Cattle farmers should begin planning for next year’s bluetongue season now, amid warnings the disease threat in 2027 could be even greater.

National Beef Association (NBA) chief executive Neil Shand says livestock producers should also consider vaccinating later this year to provide protection throughout next season.

See also: Bluetongue: What farmers need to know as cases climb

“Next year could well be worse than this year. Vaccinating towards the end of this year will provide protection for the whole of next year’s bluetongue season,” he said.

As of 6 September, 910 UK premises had been confirmed positive for bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3), comprising 791 in England, 98 in Wales and 21 in Scotland, while a further 2,356 potential premises are under investigation in Great Britain.

Government support needed

The NFU is calling for government support towards fallen stock collection and disposal as more farms face disease losses.

Acting livestock board chairman Clare Wise said: “As bluetongue continues to spread rapidly across the country, more farmers are facing the devastating consequences of disease within their herds and flocks.

“Alongside vaccination, government must recognise the very real financial and practical burden that farmers are carrying when dealing with fallen stock.

“We are calling for urgent support for the collection and disposal of fallen animals to ensure farmers are not left to shoulder these additional costs alone.”

Confirmed cases have so far involved 1,488 sheep, 347 cattle, five alpacas, one llama and one goat, though Defra says the true number of affected animals is likely to be significantly higher because testing does not necessarily include every animal on an affected holding.

Early assessment

Mr Shand warned suckler producers to assess pregnant cows early because infection can cause pregnancy losses without obvious signs.

“This disease is silent and invisible. I would encourage cattle keepers to scan their cows early. In spring 2025 some suckler herds had 50% losses where no viable calf was produced,” he said.

He advised farmers to consider leaving bulls in for longer where necessary.

“A late calf is better than no calf,” he said.

Vaccination remains the best form of protection, he added.