Further supplies of bluetongue virus (BTV) vaccines are expected to enter the UK soon as cases continue to rise.

Concern is growing amid the outbreak in the UK, with vaccine supplies under pressure.

According to latest data from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), there have been 334 cases of BTV serotype 3 (BTV-3) in the UK in the 2026 to 2027 season.

This includes: 326 cases in England; seven cases in Wales; and one case in Scotland.

Scotland this week recorded its first ever case of bluetongue after the virus was detected in an animal in the south-west of the country.

Scotland's chief veterinary officer (CVO), Sheila Voas, said there was some uncertainty about the true extent of the outbreak as testing was continuing.

BTV outbreak

Pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim has confirmed that an additional supply of the Bultavo 3 vaccine will soon be entering the UK.

Boehringer Ingelheim's technical services manager for livestock, Dr. Sioned Timothy, commented: "We are working closely with farmers and veterinary professionals to help support the industry through the ongoing bluetongue outbreak.

Dr. Timothy said her team has been working with Defra, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate, veterinary professionals and livestock industry organisations, to progress the necessary regulatory processes to bring additional vaccine supplies into the UK.

She confirmed: "More doses of vaccine from our global supply network will soon be entering the UK, and we remain committed to working with our partners to help make further supplies available as quickly as possible".

Vaccination

Veterinary and livestock industry leaders are urging farmers to vaccinate to protect their herds and flocks.

According to UK chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss, "vaccination is the only way to deal with BTV-3".

Dr. Middlemiss said it is important for farmers to talk with their vet about vaccination and dosing.