Survey reveals demand for BTV-3 vaccines in 2027
There were 2,408 confirmed bluetongue cases by the end of September.
A National Sheep Association (NSA) survey has revealed a strong demand for bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) vaccines ahead of 2027.
The survey, which had responses from more than 1,400 farmers, saw 65 per cent of respondents say that they would ‘definitely’ be vaccinating their flock in 2027.
However, many of those surveyed also reported struggling to obtain a BTV-3 vaccine during this season's outbreak. Forty per cent of respondents said they had failed to get a vaccine despite trying.
This meant that many farmers were left with unprotected sheep, at a time when the virus was spreading across England, Scotland and Wales.
As part of the NSA survey, respondents were asked whether they would be open to ordering the vaccine in advance through their veterinary practice. Seventy-four per cent of respondents were open to this approach, which equates to approximately 350,000 doses.
The survey was conducted amidst a fast-growing bluetongue outbreak, with 2,408 confirmed cases confirmed by the end of September. This compares to 348 cases recorded throughout the entirety of the 2025/26 season.
Cases tripled during September, when the survey was conducted, and restricted zones are in place across England, Scotland and Wales.
Meanwhile, vaccine use has more than doubled between 2025 and 2026. Researchers say these figures are best read as demand during an outbreak.
Phil Stocker, NSA chief executive, said: “The impact of the bluetongue outbreak has been very difficult for farmers. Our members have spoken to me about the challenges of obtaining vaccine and the pressure this has placed on their businesses.
“The survey results highlight that early conversations are necessary between farmers, vets and vaccine manufacturers to ensure sufficient supply is available. The supply chain for vaccines, from initial culture through vaccine being available on farm, is not immediate and typically takes several months. For farmers, vaccine planning must be treated as a routine part of the flock health plan.
“Vaccines come with a cost but, as the results show, there is demand for vaccinated animals at sales, and with the losses caused by BTV3 this year most would say that the investment in vaccines has been financially worthwhile.”
Image © Wieland Teixeira/Shutterstock.com
Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.
