Dispelling myths about Bluetongue (Oct 26)
Boehringer Ingelheim vet adviser Ciara McKay runs through some of the most common misconceptions about Bluetongue and vaccination to protect herds against the virus.
With many producers across the UK feeling the impact of Bluetongue and concerned about the risk that it poses to their herds and businesses, now is the perfect time to address some of the mis-information circulating about the virus and vaccination.
If an animal looks healthy, it isn't infected
This is not necessarily true because clinical signs are not always present, particularly in cattle, even if they are infected with the virus. This means that close vigilance, appropriate testing and following current disease control guidelines are all extremely important.
If I report a suspected case, my unit will immediately be shut down
Reporting is essential because Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. APHA guidance states that restrictions are not automatically applied simply because a farm reports a suspicion or is being investigated. Guidelines and movement restrictions do vary between England and the devolved nations, so it is always worth checking what these are.
You cannot vaccinate if any animals on your holding have tested positive for BTV
The Bultavo-3 BTV vaccine is licensed to be used in healthy animals even if other stock on the holding have been identified as BTV positive. Producers with affected animals should speak to their vet about selecting which cattle to vaccinate, when to vaccinate and best practice for administering vaccines, including storage, handling, and sharing needles.
There's no point vaccinating – the midges are everywhere
Vaccination is one of the key tools available to reduce the impact of virus. Vets and levy boards, such as AHDB, are urging producers to talk to their vet about beginning vaccination as soon as possible, wherever they may be in the UK.
Bluetongue is only a problem during the summer
The highest risk periods are when biting midges are active, which is typically between April and November. But consequences of infection with the virus can extend well beyond the midge season. Some midges also successfully over-wintered in parts of the UK, making the start of the infectious season earlier than usually anticipated.
Vaccination can cause infertility in cattle and sheep
BTV itself is the real concern when it comes to herd fertility, because it impacts conception rates and causes abortions and stillbirths. If bulls are infected, it also effects semen quality. There is no evidence to suggest vaccination will negatively impact fertility.
It won't affect my farm
This is probably the most important misconception to challenge. Bluetongue is no longer something UK producers can view simply as an overseas disease. As of August 23 2026, official figures showed 593 confirmed BTV-3-positive premises during the 2026/27 season across Great Britain, with cases in England, Wales and Scotland. But close to 2,500 suspect cases remain under investigation. These numbers speak for themselves – BTV is an issue in all parts of the UK.
For current UK rules, case numbers and movement restrictions, the most useful starting point is. The BTV-3 vaccine finance calculator, created by Ruminant Health and Welfare and AHDB, is also extremely useful. Find it at:
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