Currently we are seeing a worsening disease situation in parts of England, largely down to the exceptionally warm weather. While there are no current cases of bluetongue in Scotland, the situation in England has prompted a review of current controls.
When the Scottish Government announced restrictions on movements of susceptible animals from England and Wales earlier this year, the measures were expected to apply between 1 June and 9 September. However, those dates were always subject to review if the risk profile changed. With temperatures remaining higher than usual and disease incidence increasing in southern England, that review is now underway.
The disease situation in the southwest of England, and the serious impacts being seen in affected herds and flocks is demonstrating how important it is to vaccinate, to have the best chance at protecting your livestock. Due to the prevalence of recent outbreaks of disease in England, it can also be expected that vaccination status of animals could be important to buyers, especially in the south of England, with demand high for vaccinated animals.
All cases so far relate to BTV-3.
Why Are Restrictions Being Reconsidered?
The current restriction period is based on historical weather patterns and the length of time temperatures in Scotland are typically too low to support the replication and transmission of the Bluetongue virus by biting midges.
This year, however, conditions have been far from typical.
The prolonged warm weather experienced across the UK has created concerns that the risk period may extend beyond the current end date of 9 September. At the same time, the disease situation in the southwest of England has become increasingly concerning, with a high number of cases being reported and more severe impacts observed, particularly in sheep flocks.
As a result, Scottish Government officials are reassessing the risks and considering what additional measures may be required to protect Scotland's livestock sector.
What Could Change?
While no final decisions have yet been made, Scottish Government are considering all the options. The date of 9 September for restrictions being lifted is under review, and a potential option could be to extend movement restrictions, in some form, beyond 9 September.
One possible option under consideration is that vaccination could become a requirement for animals entering Scotland from England and Wales after 9 September. This could apply to any animals that have spent time south of the border and may affect Scottish animals attending sales in England and intending to return home.
For producers planning to participate in breeding sales during September and beyond, this could become an important development. Those hoping to sell stock at English sales while retaining the option of returning animals to Scotland, may wish to consider the option of vaccination now rather than waiting for further announcements.
Avoid Unnecessary Risk
Given the current disease situation, movements from the most affected areas of southwest England, including Somerset, Devon and Cornwall, should be avoided wherever possible. The rising number of cases in these regions highlights the potential consequences of disease spread and reinforces the need for vigilance across the industry.
Vaccination Remains the Best Defence
The experience of farmers in affected areas has demonstrated the value of vaccination in reducing the impact of Bluetongue. As disease pressure increases, vaccination is becoming an increasingly important tool for protecting both individual businesses and the wider livestock sector.
There is also a growing expectation that buyers from England may favour vaccinated stock. Producers planning to market breeding or store animals should be aware that vaccination status may become a key consideration for purchasers, particularly if disease risks continue to rise.
As with any vaccination, planning is essential. Demand for Bluetongue vaccines remain high across the UK, therefore producers should be aware that short delays in obtaining the vaccine is possible. Discuss vaccination options with your vet and place orders as soon as possible to avoid delays during what could be a critical period.
Plan Ahead
Demand for Bluetongue vaccines remains high across the UK. Supplies of EU product are coming into the country but veterinary practices may need to access these products through special import arrangements if domestically labelled product is not readily available. With demand remaining strong, producers should be aware that short delays in obtaining vaccine supplies are possible as product is distributed around the country.
For that reason, early planning is essential.
Looking Ahead
The Scottish Government is expected to continue assessing the situation over the coming days and we have underlined the need for clarity as early as possible. While the exact nature of any future restrictions remains uncertain, the consistent message is, vaccination is the best way to protect your stock from bluetongue. Please speak to your vet about your individual situation to discuss the risk and how best to protect your stock.
With warmer weather extending disease risks and Bluetongue cases increasing in parts of England, farmers should not wait until restrictions are announced. Acting now could help protect animal health, safeguard market access and provide greater certainty during the busy autumn sales season.
We will continue to work with Scottish Government to represent our members interests and will ensure clear communication as the situation progresses. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with us.
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