BTV-12
A new bluetongue virus serotype 12 (BTV-12) has been detected on eight farms in four different provinces in the Netherlands. In total, three sheep and eight cattle farms across different regions are involved in the detection.
No animals were imported from areas where BTV-12 is prevalent.
Variants of BTV-12 occur in Africa, Israel, Asia and North and South America. These known variants do not resemble the Dutch variant sufficiently to be able to indicate a specific origin.
The Dutch authorities are still therefore investigating the source. They have discounted a link to vaccine use, based on genetic sequencing analysis of the virus seroptype.
The Dutch Authorities have shared information about the genetic composition of the new virus with vaccine manufacturers, in the hope that they can use it to develop a vaccine.
The UK Government and the Pirbright Institute are in contact with their Dutch counterparts and are supporting and monitoring the situation.
Vaccines
Defra’s Secretary of State has permitted the use of three unauthorised bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) vaccines within the UK, subject to licence.
Unlike the authorised vaccines for other BTV serotypes, the BTV-3 vaccines claim to reduce viraemia rather than prevent it. This means they may not prevent your animals from being infected or infectious, but (depending on the vaccine) their claims include reduction or prevention of clinical signs experienced or mortality.
For this reason, all movement controls and trade restrictions still apply to vaccinated animals.
Discuss the merits of vaccination for your animals and business with your private veterinarian.
For more information, refer to the section on 'speak to your vet' at: GOV.UK | Bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) vaccine: information for keepers.
Animal keepers in England can use these vaccines under general licence and must comply with the listed schedule of conditions.
For example, when you use a BTV-3 vaccination you must:
- Keep a record of every animal you vaccinate – the information you need to record is on the general and specific licences.
- Keep these records for at least five years.
- Provide details, including the individual animal IDs and vaccine you use, to Defra within 48 hours of vaccinating through completion of an online form.
These vaccines are being used in mainland Europe against BTV-3. These are unlicenced medicines but have been approved in the EU for emergency use.
Key links
Information on BTV-3 vaccines including the SPCs (summaries of product characteristics), permits and licences can be accessed at: GOV.UK | BTV-3 vaccine permits.
The general licence for using the inactivated BTV-3 vaccine in England can be found at: GOV.UK | General licence for bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) vaccine.
The NFU strongly recommends that those interested in using a BTV-3 vaccine consult with their veterinary surgeon first to establish how a vaccine will benefit your animals and farm system.
It is important that you consider the timings of any vaccination programme and what your future animal movements or buying and selling policy will be.
Please be aware that these vaccines make no claims to reduce viraemia so they may not prevent your animals from being infected or infectious, but (depending on the vaccine) their claims include reduction or prevention of clinical signs experienced, or mortality associated, with BTV-3 so they could provide a benefit in terms of individual animal health and welfare.
Latest news
Welsh Government licence BTV-3 vaccines
The Welsh Government has approved bluetongue vaccines licence for voluntary use in Wales from 1st March.
Read: GOV.WALES | Welsh Government approves Bluetongue vaccines licence for voluntary use
Seasonally vector low period confirmed
Due to the drop in temperature and reduced midge activity, the UK's Chief Veterinary Officer has confirmed the UK is in the seasonally vector low period for bluetongue virus. This came into effect from 12 noon on 21 January.
Read: NFU urges vigilance as bluetongue seasonally vector low period confirmed
Bluetongue vaccine licence available in all English counties
The general licence for bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) allows vaccination in all counties in England.
Licences for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, not currently available, but under review.
Find out more at: GOV.UK | General licence for bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) vaccine.
First case declared in Wales
The Welsh Government has confirmed the first Bluetongue case in Gwynedd, Wales and follows BTV-3 cases being detected in the east of England over the last month.
Further investigations are taking place on the farm affected to determine whether additional controls are needed.
For the latest updates, head to: NFU Cymru | Bluetongue: latest information from Welsh Government.
Three BTV-3 vaccines permitted for use in the UK
Defra’s Secretary of State has permitted the use of three unauthorised BTV-3 vaccines within the United Kingdom, subject to licence.
Available licences to allow use will either be geographically targeted general licences, initially in high risk counties as part of a phased approach, or specific licences which can be applied for through APHA. General licencing will be subject to Risk Assessment.
Find out more at: GOV.UK | BTV-3 vaccine permits.
First bluetongue case confirmed in Norfolk
The first UK case of BTV3 in the 2024 season has been confirmed in a single sheep on a mixed farm near Haddiscoe, South Norfolk. The case was identified following a report of clinical suspicion.
A 20km TCZ has been declared restricting movement of cattle, sheep, other ruminants, and their germinal products (semen, ova, and embryos).
For further information and a map of the TCZ please go to: GOV.UK | Bluetongue: near Haddiscoe, South Norfolk, Norfolk (BTD 2024/92) – TCZ.
The farm is now under restrictions and, as there is no current evidence of disease circulation. The animal will be slaughtered in line with the BTV framework released in May: GOV.UK | Disease control framework for bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England in 2024.
Find out more: New bluetongue case confirmed in Norfolk.
Chief Vet reminds farmers of bluetongue risk
Livestock keepers are being urged to take up free testing, as cases of bluetongue increase in Europe.
Over 4,000 cases of BTV-3 have been reported in the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium since May 2024. Cases have also been reported in France, Luxemburg and Denmark for the first time ever.
The government's risk level for BTV-3 in the UK remains at medium, but Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss is urging for renewed vigilance as the risk of midges being blown over from northern Europe is very much dependent on weather conditions.
Free testing is available for livestock moving from high risk counties – Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Kent and East Sussex – to elsewhere in Great Britain. This includes animals that are sold at market in these counties, to owners in low risk counties. Doing so will help prevent the spread of the disease to new areas.
Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said: “BTV outbreaks in Europe are on the rise and we must remain vigilant to the threat of disease spread. If you suspect disease in your animals please report.
“If you intend to move animals to live out of high-risk counties, including if you are buying in new animals, please take advantage of the free testing scheme to help stop the movement of non-clinical disease.”
For more information on this story, visit: GOV.UK | Chief Vet reminds farmers of bluetongue risk
Or, for information on free bluetongue testing, visit: GOV.UK | Bluetongue: get free testing for your animals
Government updates guidance on registering livestock in England
The government is highlighting the importance of registering where livestock is kept to help investigation and control of disease outbreaks.
Updated guidance has been issued on GOV.UK encouraging all livestock keepers (including pet owners) to follow steps to ensure land and livestock locations are registered correctly.
The guidance includes:
- Applying for a CPH (county parish holding) number via the RPA (Rural Payments Agency).
- Information on applying for a TLA (temporary land associations) or temporary CPH (tCPH).
- Registering with APHA (Animal and Plant Health Agency) to get a flock or herd mark.
- Keeping registrations up to date.
- Contact information for the RPA and APHA
It is important to ensure all temporary grazing and buildings are correctly associated with the main holding.
For more information, visit: GOV.UK | Get a temporary land association (TLA) or temporary county parish holding (tCPH) number
Bluetongue guidance for shows and events in England in 2024
The government has published guidance for keepers moving bluetongue susceptible animals to shows and events, and show organisers. The guidance covers:
- Shows taking place in the absence of bluetongue control zones
- Shows due to take place inside bluetongue zones
- Shows outside bluetongue zones
- Bluetongue zones declared after shows have started
- Bluetongue suspicion or confirmation at the show
Read the full guidance at: GOV.UK | Bluetongue guidance for shows and events in England in 2024
Free bluetongue testing now available in 5 high-risk counties
Livestock keepers in Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Kent and East Sussex can apply for free bluetongue testing for susceptible animals if they are to be moved to live out of the high-risk counties listed above.
Tests are also free if susceptible animals will be sold at a market held within any of the high-risk counties where it is anticipated that there will be buyers from outside those high-risk counties. Visit: GOV.UK | Bluetongue: get free testing for your animals
Defra sets out bluetongue control framework
The NFU has welcomed Defra’s control plan, helping to bring clarity for members. We are urging Defra, vaccine manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies and the livestock and dairy sectors work together to bring a licenced vaccine to market to help minimise the impact of this disease.
Risk assessment status set to ‘very high’
APHA confirmed a very high probability of BTV-3 spreading across ruminants in Great Britain.
In its updated risk assessment, the government body warned that the virus could be more widely spread as infected biting midges are blown over from northern Europe.
See: GOV.UK | Bluetongue virus risk set out for the year ahead
Netherlands authorise BTV-3 vaccines
A new vaccine for bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) was approved for use in the Netherlands.
This vaccine has not yet been authorised for use in the UK.
New online movement licensing service
Defra and APHA have launched a new online movement licensing service which will allow APHA to process a higher quantity of applications.
The service also allows livestock keepers to upload supporting documentation, track the status of applications and download licences.
Visit: GOV.UK | Apply for an exemption from animal disease movement restrictions. This service replaces the EXD100 form.
NFU CallFirst is also available for help and advice on farming, legal or technical issues on 0370 845 8458.