BTV-3 cases continue to expand rapidly

NSA is urging sheep farmers not to be complacent but to follow the lead of growing numbers of farmers and speak to their vets about assessing the risks of BTV-3 in their flocks and taking action to protect animals. 

NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker commented: “This will inevitably lead to a conversation about vaccination as this is the only proven way of protecting stock on the farm, and also protecting the wider industry as we approach a time when movements of breeding stock and store lambs will be increasing.  

"The number of reported cases shot up last week to over 590, from 115 the previous week and the majority are being seen in the South West of England – clearly a serious hot spot for this midge borne virus.  As you would expect, calls on stocks of vaccine are increasing and stocks will be reducing but we are assured that vaccine manufacturers are doing what they can to ensure demand can be met.  

"I've heard some farmers question if it is worth vaccinating now given that it takes 28 days for full immunity to be gained, but a level of protection is likely to be reached earlier, particularly if stock were vaccinated last season. Additionally we have several months of midge activity ahead of us and it is highly advisable that breeding males and females are vaccinated ahead of mating. This is just basic advice when administering any vaccine and nothing specific to BTV vaccines – there is nothing to suggest these vaccines impair fertility beyond a short period when body temperature will naturally rise”.

As always the NSA would encourage all sheep farmers to speak with their vets to determine the best course of action. We would also encourage the reporting of any new cases on previously unaffected farms to be reported so that evidence and data can be captured, and that records be kept on farms of numbers of cases, levels of severity, mortality and recovery rates. This data may be helpful in due course to assess the impact and inform future actions.