Sheep farmers signal strong BTV-3 vaccine demand for 2027

Sheep farmers are signalling strong demand for bluetongue vaccination next year after difficulties securing supplies during this year’s rapidly expanding BTV-3 outbreak.

A National Sheep Association (NSA) survey of more than 1,400 farmers found 65% definitely planned to vaccinate their flocks against bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) in 2027.

See also: Chief vets call for bluetongue vaccination as cases surge

However, 40% said they had been unable to obtain vaccine this season despite trying, leaving some flocks unprotected as cases spread across England, Wales and Scotland.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (Apha) and Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) have previously said supplies became constrained by mid-August after relatively low vaccine uptake in 2025 and early 2026 meant manufacturers had not maintained substantial excess stocks.

About 4.85m doses of EU-authorised vaccine were imported during August and the first half of September, with another 1.68m scheduled between September and December.

A further 1.33m GB-authorised doses are expected in January and February 2027.

Advanced orders

Almost three-quarters of survey respondents (74%) said they would consider ordering vaccine in advance through their vet, which the NSA estimates could represent demand for about 350,000 doses.

The survey, conducted between 21 August and 27 September, also found 73% would prefer to buy vaccinated replacement sheep.

NSA chief executive Phil Stocker said the findings showed the need for earlier planning between farmers, vets and manufacturers to ensure sufficient supply is available.

“The supply chain for vaccines, from initial culture through to the vaccine being available on farm, typically takes several months,” he said.

“For farmers, vaccine planning must be treated as a routine part of the flock health plan.”

Mr Stocker added that while vaccines come with a cost, there is demand for vaccinated animals at sales.

“With the losses caused by BTV3 this year, most would say that the investment in vaccines has been financially worthwhile.”

Bluetongue cases

The findings come amid a sharp rise in bluetongue cases.

As of 6 October, 2,780 BTV-3 or unspecified serotype cases had been recorded during the 2026-27 season – 2,280 in England, 457 in Wales and 43 in Scotland.

That compares with 348 cases recorded during the whole of the 2025-26 season.

Apha has said vaccination remains the most effective way to protect livestock, with lessons from this year’s outbreak due to be reviewed in November.

The NSA cautioned that the survey reflects farmer intentions during a major outbreak, meaning demand could change if disease pressure eases next year.