Nearly 500 farms in Wales have had cases of bluetongue virus confirmed this season, according to Dr Richard Irvine, the country's Chief Veterinary Officer. He described the figure as a significant milestone and said it showed how widely the disease has spread across Wales and Great Britain.

Key points

  • Scale of outbreak — almost 500 Welsh farms have confirmed BTV-3 cases this season.
  • Vaccination urged — Dr Irvine says it is the only viable long-term protection for livestock.
  • Winter risk — the disease will persist over winter and return next year.
  • Supply warning — demand can outstrip vaccine supplies once disease pressure builds.

Dr Irvine said vaccination must stay a priority for people who keep susceptible animals. "Vaccination is the only viable long-term measure to protect livestock against Bluetongue," he said, adding that the virus will remain present through the winter and that keepers should be ready for it to return next year.

Act now for 2027

Looking ahead to 2027, Dr Irvine urged all livestock keepers to vaccinate their herds and flocks against BTV-3. He pointed to the serious effects seen in parts of south-west England this summer and warned that Wales could face the same next year.

He advised keepers to speak to their vet and order vaccine in good time. Acting early, he said, gives animals the best protection and shows demand for the vaccine, which helps keep commercial supplies coming. He also said keepers should know the signs of the disease and check the bluetongue status of any replacement animals before bringing them onto a holding. He thanked farmers and vets across Wales for their vigilance and willingness to act early.

Editor's comment

What it means in practice

For livestock keepers in Wales, the message is that planning for next season starts now, not in spring. Vaccine supplies can run short once demand rises, so waiting until cases appear nearby could leave animals unprotected.

  • Order early — talk to your vet and place BTV-3 vaccine orders well before the season begins.
  • Check stock — ask about the bluetongue status and vaccination history of animals before moving them onto your holding.
  • Learn the signs — knowing what to look for helps you report suspected cases quickly.