Vaccination remains the "most effective tool available" to help protect susceptible livestock against bluetongue virus (BTV).

Pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim has issued a statement regarding the current BTV outbreak in the UK and the urgency to increase vaccine availability.

BTV is a serious disease of cattle, sheep, goats and camelids. It is caused by a virus which is transmitted between animals by biting midges.

Latest information from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) shows there have been 134 cases of BTV serotype 3 (BTV-3) in the UK since the start of the 2026/2027 season.

Boehringer Ingelheim's technical services manager for livestock, Dr. Sioned Timothy, commented: "We recognise the significant worry and uncertainty the current bluetongue outbreak is causing for farmers, veterinary professionals and the wider livestock industry.

"Farmers who are concerned about their animals should speak to their veterinary surgeon in the first instance to discuss the most appropriate options for their herd or flock."

BTV vaccines

Dr. Timothy said that vaccination remains the "most effective tool available" to help protect susceptible livestock against bluetongue.

"Our clinical data demonstrates a high level of protection in vaccinated animals, and we are working at pace to help ensure farmers have access to this important preventive measure," she said.

Boehringer Ingelheim said it is "working urgently" with Defra, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate and industry to "progress the necessary regulatory processes and bring additional vaccine supplies into the UK as quickly as possible".

"We are committed to supporting a coordinated response while ensuring all regulatory requirements are met," Dr. Timothy said.

"We will continue to support UK farmers and the veterinary community throughout this outbreak.

"We will continue to work closely with our partners and provide further updates as soon as we are able to confirm the timing and availability of additional vaccine supplies."

DAFM

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) in Ireland commented that since the beginning of July 2026, there has been an increase in confirmed cases of BTV-3 in cattle and sheep in England, including cases involving significant clinical signs.

DAFM is advising livestock owners to "remain vigilant for signs of bluetongue and to consult their private veterinary practitioner regarding vaccination".

"It takes approximately six weeks for cattle and three weeks for sheep to develop full immunity following vaccination," DAFM said.

The department has previously warned that warmer temperatures bring an increased risk of transmission of the disease.

Temperatures need to be greater that 12°C for a sustained period for the virus to replicate within the midge so that the midge can spread the virus.