Testing suggests Haemonchus contortus, or Barber’s pole worm, is becoming more prevalent in the UK as weather patterns change, vets have warned.

The Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) group said recent testing suggests an increase in cases of Haemonchus infection, with the parasite appearing further north.

Farmers are being encouraged to familiarise themselves with signs of infection and regularly check their sheep.

Vet Gina Rigby from Cross Counties Farm Vets in Northamptonshire, part of the VetPartners group, said:

“Historically, if we had very cold, harsh winters, a lot of the Haemonchus larvae would be killed off, but now we’re finding that they’re overwintering – both on pasture and in the ewes – which means we’re seeing infection earlier in the year than we were before.”

What are the symptoms? 

Haemonchus is different from other gastrointestinal worms and, as such, it causes different symptoms.

“Haemonchus is a blood-sucking worm which can cause anaemia, and unless a sheep has a mixed infection with other gastrointestinal worms, it doesn’t cause scour,” Gina adds.

“This means sheep farmers are often caught out by it because they’re not seeing the classic signs of worms, like mucky back-ends, on their sheep.”

Symptoms of infection depend on whether the sheep is suffering from acute, sub-acute, or chronic infection.

“Acute infection is caused by an animal ingesting a lot of infective larvae in a very short period of time, and the signs include sudden death, rapid breathing, and pale mucus membranes which can be seen by looking at the inside of the lower eyelid,” she explains.

“Sub-acute infection isn’t always as obvious, and often farmers get this confused with liver fluke, because it causes bottle jaw (swelling under the jaw), while chronic infection presents as more of a failure to thrive with weight loss, poor body condition, and lethargy – along with the signs of anaemia.”

READ MORE: Sheep farmers face grazing pressures due to hot and dry weather
READ MORE: Huw Jones breaks record after shearing 663 ewes in 8 hours

Monitoring for Haemonchus

To monitor for Haemonchus, Gina recommends looking out for clinical signs of infection, FAMACHA scoring, worm egg counting, and carrying out a post-mortem examination on any dead animals.

“FAMACHA scoring is a colour chart to compare with the colour of the membranes of the lower eyelid to assess for anaemia caused by Haemonchus; it’s relatively easy to do when you’re already running animals through the race for other reasons,” she adds.

“Worm egg counts are also useful to identify the presence of worms, however ‘in house’ counts can’t easily differentiate Haemonchus from other worm species, so if you suspect you’ve got a problem, you can send a sample off to the lab for worm species identification.”

If Haemonchus is identified, speak to your vet to discuss an appropriate treatment plan.

“Finding Haemonchus in a sample doesn’t necessarily mean clinical disease is present on your farm,” she adds.

“Speak to your vet about treatment – both in terms of product choice and which animals need it, or whether vaccination might be an option on your farm.”

Perfect storm for worms

A SCOPS update also warned that the combination of earlier dry conditions and recent rainfall could create a perfect storm for increased worm challenges on pasture.

Nerys Wright, technical adviser for SCOPS, urged farmers to be extra vigilant in monitoring parasite burdens and lamb performance, including carrying out regular faecal egg counts (FECs).

However, she stresses that FECs should be interpreted alongside lamb condition and performance. 

After a prolonged dry spell, large numbers of immature worms may be present and cause clinical disease before a high FEC is detected. 

This makes visual assessment and consideration of nutritional status equally important in decision-making.

Poor grass growth

The earlier dry weather also limited grass growth on many farms, adding nutritional stress to lambs. 

“A lamb’s immune system is closely linked to its nutritional status,” explains Nerys. “Lambs under nutritional stress are less able to withstand a parasite challenge.”

Rebecca Mearns, parasitology vet lead at the APHA, adds that while some areas are now seeing high FECs following the rain, others remain low – highlighting the importance of testing and monitoring rather than assuming worms are the cause of poor performance.

“It’s essential to consider other factors like grass quality and availability,” says Rebecca. “Not all poor performance is due to worms, and blanket treatments can do more harm than good in the long term.

Funded testing 

SCOPS is also reminding farmers in England to take advantage of the DEFRA-funded Worming Treatment Check (WTC) scheme, available through the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway Review. 

In Scotland, a similar scheme supports farmers in preparing for sustainable farming, while Wales currently does not have a comparable programme.To benefit from funded testing, worm egg counts must be high enough to justify treatment. 

“The key message remains: check your FECs before undertaking the WTC to ensure the timing is right and the results are meaningful,” concludes Rebecca.

Read more sheep news.

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On Friday 11th July, the Welsh Government and the deputy first minister Huw Irranca-Davies announced the introduction of bluetongue-approved red markets. 

The change means that from today,14th July, animals can be moved from the Restricted Zone in England to a bluetongue-approved red market in Wales, for direct onward movement to a designated slaughterhouse in Wales or one within the restricted zone. 

The decision follows a bluetongue roundtable meeting hosted by the deputy first minister on Tuesday, 8th July. 

NFU Cymru president Aled Jones, who represented NFU Cymru at the meeting, said: “I outlined to the deputy first minister the impact that bluetongue control policy is having on our livestock industry in Wales.  

“There continues to be huge concern from our members about the impact these controls are having on our sector. As we near an important time in the farming calendar for the movement of breeding stock, more must be done to ensure this trade and the future viability of our breeding flocks/herds and, ultimately, farm business viability, are not put at risk. 

“The introduction of bluetongue-approved red markets is a step forward. In normal times some animals would go for further finishing, so the fact everything must go direct for slaughter is not without its drawbacks, but the introduction of this flexibility will help facilitate and support trade in finished prime stock.” 

READ MORE: Bluetongue restricted zone set to cover all of England

READ MORE: Wales: Concerns raised as new bluetongue controls have been announced

Calls for urgent financial assistance

Mr Jones added that NFU Cymru will continue to raise concerns about the resources and capacity of government agencies and official laboratories to cope with testing and licensing requirements.  

“In addition, the cost of testing is essentially prohibitive, apart from small numbers of very high-value stocks; this is why NFU Cymru, jointly with the NFU, wrote to Welsh Government and Defra to call for urgent financial assistance to help farmers cover the cost of testing. This request remains outstanding,” he continued. 

NFU Cymru recommends that farmers in Wales discuss the potential benefits of vaccination with their own private vet to decide if it is right for them and represents the best way to protect their flock and/or herd. 

“We note that the CVO for Wales is actively exploring how vaccine use can support further easing of restrictions to trade. This is welcome, but with the clock counting down to breeding sale season, timing is everything.  

“We urge Welsh Government to work with industry and to consider what can be done as soon as possible to facilitate greater trade in vaccinated stock. 

“NFU Cymru has been vocal in calling for more guidance for farmers on how to comply with the rules, particularly for cross-border farms, and we note Welsh Government has published this in addition today,” the NFU Cymru president concluded. 

READ MORE: #BattleBluetongue campaign launches encouraging farmers to vaccinate their livestock

Read more livestock news. 

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Weekly summary reports, compiled using data from Galebreaker and Phibro Health’s online THI-Live tool between 9th June to 6th July, reveal troubling trends in cow comfort, as much of the UK experienced two heatwaves in a matter of weeks.

Average shed temperatures reached concerning levels, with some regions recording peaks over 30°C. 

Worryingly figures from mid-Wales and the south of England showed temperature-humidity index (THI) exceeded 80, a threshold that signals severe heat stress. 

The south and the Midlands faced persistent heat stress, with the average THI remaining above 65 for most of June. 

In these areas, cows experienced increased respiration rates, reduced standing and lying times, and greater water consumption, all indicative of severe discomfort.

Remain vigilant 

Galebreaker’s animal welfare specialist, Chloe Rodriguez, urges dairy farmers to remain vigilant when critical THI thresholds are exceeded regularly. 

“Prolonged heat stress not only impacts cow welfare it can severely affect conception rates. While decreased Dry Matter Intake (DMI) during hot weather negatively influences milk yield, quality, and overall profitability,” says Ms Rodriguez.

“These effects may not become apparent until several weeks later when cows are tested for conception or milk quality, by which time it’s too late to address. 

“Fortunately, adjusting management practices in anticipation of hot and humid conditions can help to mitigate these impacts.”

Mitigation strategies 

Regularly monitoring THI and prompt action are the best ways to diminish heat stress and protect cows from its worst effects. 

Recommendations to improve animal welfare include ensuring sheds are properly ventilated to regulate airflow.

Having access to a supply of fresh water will help prevent dehydration. Similarly, adjusting feeding schedules to take advantage of cooler overnight temperatures encourages greater intakes so cows have adequate nutrition. 

This can also be supplemented with feed additives designed to improve water retention.

READ MORE: Scottish Govt criticised as suckler sector faces economic clearance
READ MORE: Experts share top tips on how to protect cattle and sheep from heat stress

Long-range outlook

The Met Office’s long-range forecast indicates continued extreme weather conditions, as in-shed temperatures are expected to rise again as we move towards late summer. 

With the current trend of high THI readings likely to persist well into August and September, dairy farmers are advised to remain proactive in their management strategies.

“Extreme heat events are becoming more frequent and intense – the dairy sector needs to prepare itself for the inevitable. 

“With the right interventions, the impact of heat stress can be alleviated. Galebreaker is supporting farmers with data and advice to help protect herds and maintain productivity during the warmer months ahead,” concludes Ms Rodriguez.

Read more livestock news.

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The project, which started in 2022, aimed to cut sheep flock lameness towards the 2% Farm Animal Welfare Committee (FAWC) target, while lowering antimicrobial use. 

It was a collaboration between Sainsbury’s, Dunbia and MSD Animal Health, and explored the benefit of vaccination against endemic diseases following the NOAH Category One Livestock Vaccination Guidelines.

It more than halved lameness levels across 10 Welsh sheep farms – saving an estimated £54,000 per year and slashing antibiotic use.

Five point plan

It involved just under 6,000 ewes across hill, upland and lowland systems. 

Over the project’s duration, average flock lameness fell from 6.3% to 2.7%, thanks to rigorous application of the Five Point Plan – treat, cull, avoid, quarantine, and vaccinate – and ongoing monitoring using MSD Animal Health’s sheep lameness control planner.

The plan provides a clear framework for tackling lameness and, when implemented properly, builds resilience, reduces infection pressure and improves immunity,” said Sonja van Dijk from the MSD Animal Health Market Access Team.

“All ten farms improved their lameness control scores by 94%, rising from 12 to 23 out of 25 – and that translated directly into healthier sheep and financial gains.”

Before the project began, lameness was estimated to be costing the 10 farms a collective £84,000 a year in lost productivity and medicine. By 2025, that had fallen to £30,000 – a £54,000 annual saving. 

The benefits of vaccination with Footvax also stood out. “Vaccination cost just £2.58* per ewe per year yet delivered savings of £11.42 per ewe per year – more than a fourfold return,” Ms van Dijk added.

This figure is based on three doses of vaccine in the first year (for replacement ewes) and one dose thereafter, and assumes a ewe replacement rate of 20% each year.

Transformative difference 

Gerwyn Evans and his family, who farm 950 Welsh and Welsh cross ewes plus 220 ewe lamb replacements on a 640-acre hill unit in Tregaron, Ceredigion, were involved in the project and saw lameness prevalence drop from 8.8% in 2022 to just 0.8% by the end of 2024.

“We’re delighted that lameness has fallen to such a manageable level, especially through some of the wettest weather we’ve ever had,” said Gerwyn.

“This has always been our biggest flock health challenge – and our daughters were spending hours catching and treating lame sheep. But being part of the project helped us really focus on the issue. The difference has been transformative.”

They are now much stricter on culling repeat offenders and quarantine all incoming rams for at least four weeks. Gerwyn added: “Vaccination has made a huge difference too – we started Footvax in 2023. It’s a no-brainer – vaccine is far cheaper than constant use of antibiotics, which we want to move away from anyway.”  

READ MORE: First minister faces backlash from Welsh farming community
READ MORE: Huw Jones breaks record after shearing 663 ewes in 8 hours

Wider value of being proactive

Leisia Tudor, agriculture manager at Dunbia, said the project demonstrates the wider value of tackling lameness proactively.

“When you see the impact the Five Point Plan has had, it’s clear this is about more than just treating lame sheep,” she said.

“The farmers who are part of this project are seeing fewer losses, spending less time on treatments, reducing their antibiotic usage, and improving overall efficiency – all of which contribute to a lower carbon footprint.

“This kind of proactive health management is one of the aspects that contributes towards sustainable livestock production, and we’re pleased to be supporting farmers on that journey.”

Read more sheep news.

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The experts have identified the main signs of heat stress in livestock, which are, among others, refusal to lie down; huddling or bunching, especially around water troughs or fresh, cool air breezes or near the top of sheds; body splashing – attempting to wet coat by splashing head in water trough; increased drinking and/or increased respiration rate; as well as high rectal temperature over 39°C in cattle and 41°C in sheep.

Open-mouth breathing, head extended, tongue protruding, profuse salivation and front legs held wide to increase lung volume are also signs of advanced heat stress.

If nothing is done to relieve the situation and their body temperature remains high, the animal could collapse and die, AHDB warns.

High temperatures can also affect feed intakes, growth rates, ovulation, conception rates and bull/ram fertility.

AHDB experts have created a list of top tips for preventing heat stress in cattle and sheep.

Managing cattle in hot weather

• Make sure all cattle have access to a good supply of clean drinking water and keep water out of direct sunlight. Water intakes will increase by up to 10–20% in hot weather
• Avoid unnecessary handling of cattle. Handle cattle quietly and calmly in the early morning and not in the heat of the day. Cattle need time to recover from high daytime temperature, so avoid handling in the evening as well
• Give cows the option to go inside if they find that more comfortable
• Reduce walking distance to the parlour
• Reduce time spent in holding areas and avoid keeping animals too tightly stocked in collecting areas or pens
• Consider feeding in the late afternoon rather than the morning. This will allow the heat from rumen fermentation, which peaks four to six hours after feeding, to be dissipated during the cooler evening/night-time
• Provide shade where possible. Offer housing as shade – covering or painting over translucent roof sheets in a shed can dramatically reduce the temperature. Trees can provide shade, but cows camping under trees is a high risk for Strep uberis
• High temperatures can also affect fertility. Be aware of the potential for reduced intensity of expression of heat and longer oestrus periods in breeding females
• Take steps to control flies, as these can spread disease and cause cattle to congregate
• Cool cattle by using a water sprinkler system to wet their coats after milking
• Air movement – ideally generate at least 1.5–2 m/s air movement (breeze) for skin cooling and to evaporative heat loss. Place fans over beds to encourage lying times (rest), set at the right intervals and angled to blow down onto the cows. Helicopter-style rotor fans can do this too. In UK conditions, the stack effect is still the best way to drive air exchange and remove humidity. This means farmers should focus on fans for air movement at cow level within the shed, as opposed to fans for air exchange. This is quite different from artificial ventilation in calf houses, where the aim is to use mechanical means for air exchange, while avoiding excessive draughts at calf level
• Pay special attention to sick cows. They are likely to benefit from rapid and regular pumping with a sufficient volume of oral fluids and electrolytes.

Managing sheep in hot weather

• Provide grazing stock with access to fields that have sufficient shade from hedges or trees and be alert for fly problems. If necessary, consider housing animals
• Move, gather, handle or transport animals in the cooler conditions of the early morning or late evening wherever possible
• Give special attention to lambs because they are more susceptible to heat stress than adult sheep
• Consider providing extra forage during the cooler times to help compensate for reduced feeding activity in the heat
• Make sure all sheep have access to a good supply of clean drinking water
• If housing, ensure buildings are adequately ventilated and increase space allowances by reducing stocking densities if possible. There should be 1m² of floor space per ewe and 0.6–0.7m² per lamb (25–35 kg)
• Maintain good drainage and ventilation in areas of accommodation prone to wetting to avoid the additional heat stress caused by high humidity.

Managing prolonged dry conditions

As it comes to grassland management, AHDB recommends to farmers to avoid overgrazing and protect regrowths by not grazing below the 1,500 kg DM/ha (4 cm) residuals. 

Farmers should also consider having a sacrifice field to avoid overgrazing paddocks, maintain rotation length at 24–28 days if grass growth has slowed down and be careful of carrying fields with high grass cover, as these might go backwards. 

AHDB experts added: “Do not apply N fertiliser if no rain is in the forecast, as the plants will have little ability to utilise this into growth in dry conditions, and it risks livestock ingesting fertiliser, which is toxic.” 

Farmers have been also encouraged to “make a plan B” to fill a possible deficit gap.

Water 

Water requirements for milking cows is 120–140 litres per day. A 70 kg ewe at peak lactation requires more than 7 litres per day and a lactating suckler cow will drink 40–70 litres, AHDB explained. 

Trough capacity and pipe size must be correct to supply water rapidly. Farmers need to provide enough space so all those that want to drink at any one time can do so. 

“Consider placing extra troughs in the fields or near the parlour if it does not restrict cow flow. This takes the pressure off the trough in the field. 

“Check regularly – algal growth and contamination will reduce water consumption,” the AHDB experts concluded. 

Read more livestock news.

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Weather conditions such as these can disrupt the natural availability of key trace elements, with serious implications for lamb growth and immunity before and after weaning.

Sarah Gallimore, technical associate at livestock health and husbandry specialist Nettex, said:

“Cobalt and selenium play vital roles in post-weaning lamb health. Low levels can impact immune function and growth at a time when lambs are already under stress from weaning and potentially facing parasite challenges. 

“Identifying the issue and finding a suitable drench or bolus can help prevent disease and improve post weaning weight.”

Deficiencies on farm

Research from Teagasc reinforces this concern:

• 73% of surveyed sheep farms had cobalt-deficient herbage
• Only 11% had herbage with sufficient levels of selenium.

The same research showed cobalt supplementation significantly boosted lamb performance post-weaning, resulting in higher carcass weights.

Selenium is key to supporting immunity and preventing white muscle disease, while cobalt is vital for vitamin B12 synthesis in the rumen, which is a crucial factor in energy metabolism and liveweight gain. 

As cobalt cannot be stored in the body, a steady supply throughout the grazing season is essential.

What are the signs?

Sarah said: “Deficiencies often go unnoticed until lamb performance starts to decline. Weaning is a vulnerable period, and any nutritional shortfall can cause a growth check or increased susceptibility to disease.”

Typical signs of cobalt deficiency include poor growth, dull fleece, loss of appetite, runny eyes, and increased worm burdens due to reduced immunity.

Top tips

Sarah recommends forage analysis as a first step. “Testing forage gives farmers clarity on what’s lacking and allows them to supplement effectively – whether via drenches, boluses, free access or in-feed options. 

“It’s about ensuring lambs continue to thrive, not just survive, after weaning.

“When choosing a supplementation product, it’s also important to consider how long those animals are on the farm for and what is in the products.”

She suggests lambs that are leaving the farm, but need supplementation, can benefit from a Nettex’s Cobalt, Selenium and B12 drench. 

Alternatively, a micro-bolus such as Cob-I-sel 60 can be used to deliver iodine, selenium and multi-vitamins over 60 days.  

“With rapidly changing grass quality and increasing demands on youngstock, it’s important farmers understand the trace element situation on their farm and act now to safeguard lamb health and performance,” she said.

Read more sheep news.

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In naïve flocks, the disease can cause devastating losses, and currently there is no licensed vaccine available for Louping ill.  

An organisation committed to promoting livestock health and welfare through research and education, Moredun, has been crowdfunding to support the commercialisation of its newly developed vaccine, with the first phase requiring £720,000.  

The Scottish Government’s match funding offer, available until the end of December 2025, presents a unique chance to amplify industry support. Moredun is therefore encouraging farmers and stakeholders to make the most of this opportunity and help bring this vital vaccine to market. 

Moredun scientists have developed a new-generation vaccine to protect sheep against Louping Ill Virus (LIV). Although LIV can infect a range of species — including cattle, horses, dogs, and even humans.

The disease can have a high mortality rate in sheep and red grouse, of up to 50% and 80% respectively, when the virus is first encountered.

Since the withdrawal of the previous vaccine in 2017, and with tick populations increasing and spreading, cases of Louping ill have risen and expanded into new areas. The disease poses a major challenge for the sheep industry. 

Long-term backing helps turn science into on-farm solutions 

Moredun has a long-standing history of working to control Louping ill, having developed the first vaccine for the disease in the 1930s and a second version in the 1970s. 

Building on this legacy, the new vaccine has shown high levels of protection in experimental trials. Moredun is working with its industry partner, Kernfarm, to bring the vaccine to market. 

Professor Tom McNeilly, scientific director and CEO of Moredun, said: “We are extremely grateful to the Scottish Government for their sustained investment in this vaccine, from the early stages of vaccine development right through to this latest support for commercialisation.  

“This pledge takes us a significant step closer to making a new Louping ill vaccine widely available to farmers. But to unlock that funding and deliver this product, we need the support of the wider livestock industry.  

“With continued support from the wider industry and farming community, we’re confident we can reach our goal and bring this vital product to market.” 

Cabinet secretary for rural affairs Mairi Gougeon said that the Scottish Government welcomes the development of this vaccine against Louping ill by the Moredun Research Institute.  

“Continued investment in veterinary vaccine research is crucial for sustainable livestock farming, reducing antibiotic use, and supporting rural economies.  

“This investment offer of up to £100,000 in match funding will help Moredun develop a new vaccine against Louping ill, a disease that those working in the agriculture sector will know can devastate flocks,” she added. 

Due to the limited size of the UK market for a Louping ill vaccine, the usual route to commercialisation via large pharmaceutical companies was not feasible. Instead, Moredun has adopted a novel, industry-supported route involving three sequential phases.  

The first phase will involve transferring the vaccine to a commercial manufacturer and scaling up production. 

Moredun is now urging farmers to consider making this vaccine a reality and donate to the first phase of the commercialisation process, which involves moving the vaccine production to a commercial manufacturer and scaling up production.  

Read more livestock news. 

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The government explained that the expanded support announced today is part of the wider Animal Health and Welfare Pathway, which promotes continuous improvement in livestock health, welfare, and productivity. 

It provides farmers with a more comprehensive understanding of livestock health on farms with many groups of animals, whether mixed holdings or larger farms with many groups of a single species.   

Since funded vet visits began in 2023, there have been more than 8,000 visits benefiting hundreds of thousands of animals, with over 95% of farmers saying that they have or will take action based on the advice of their vet. 

DEFRA explained that the strong uptake and implementation of the advice supports increased disease resilience, meaning healthier animals and greater food security, which in turn will boost farmers profits.

The application is set to be quick, taking less than 90 seconds to apply and less than three minutes to claim the funding.  

‘Healthier animals and greater food security’

Daniel Zeichner, minister for food security and rural affairs, said that increased disease resilience means healthier animals and greater food security, boosting farmers profits.   

He added: “The vet visit roll-out gives eligible farmers access to tailored support for each herd or flock. It is one step in the government’s plan to protect rural livelihoods, tackle disease and safeguard high welfare standards across our food chain.”    

Bryan and Liz Griffiths, livestock farmers in North Devon, added: “We have received government-supported vet visits since the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway began. These have allowed us to focus on issues specific to our farm as well as the set program.  

“Going forward, the new multi-flock and herd option along with the multi-species option will allow funding for a review and follow-up for each flock and species on the farm, all through one agreement, which is great.” 

DEFRA confirmed that keepers of beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep or pigs can all apply for a vet of their choice to assess all their herds and flocks along with an optional, funded, follow-up assessment.    

Visits will be able to support monitoring and treatment of diseases, including conditions like Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) in cattle, Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) in pigs, and worming resistance in sheep.    

Last year, Defra announced funding for follow-up visits to tackle the spread of endemic diseases such as Bovine Viral Diarrhoea, Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome or physical health related difficulties which cost the economy more than £170m.  

Apply for the founded vet visits here.

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Together with the AHDB, Ruminant Health and Welfare and other industry stakeholders, they are urging farmers and vets to discuss the use of available BTV-3 vaccines, where appropriate.  

Bluetongue virus 3 (BTV) has had devastating effects on sheep and cattle on mainland Europe. In Great Britain, the virus was largely restricted to the east of England in 2024 with a generally low level of clinical signs, but as we move into the new vector season, the virus is known to have overwintered here and to be present in parts of the west of England. Its potential impacts are now greater, the experts warn.

A spokesperson for chief veterinary officers said: “The restrictions in England last year reduced spread of virus north and west. Now we have available vaccines, licensed for use in England, Scotland and Wales; they should be considered for use across GB to provide protection to livestock health and welfare and to reduce the spread of Bluetongue.  

“The pharmaceutical companies manufacturing the three BTV-3 vaccine products – Bultavo-3, Bluevac-3 and Syvazul BTV 3 – are working closely with the industry to ensure vaccine supply is available to meet demand.  

“Given the extent of virus spread in England and the impact that dividing the country with a Restricted Zone (RZ) has for industry, versus the now limited benefit, an all-England RZ will come into place on 1st July.” 

‘Protecting animal health and welfare’

Devolved governments in Scotland and Wales will still require pre-movement testing of animals coming from a restricted zone in most cases. These requirements will be kept under regular review and are designed to strike a balance between disease prevention and the functional operation of farms and trade, chief veterinary officers confirmed.  

“We appreciate it makes for difficult decisions for farmers, markets, shows and abattoirs operating across nations, particularly in and around border areas, but our collective veterinary advice remains clear; the time for vets and farmers to discuss vaccinating livestock against BTV-3 is now.  

“The primary purpose of vaccination is to protect animal health and welfare, not to facilitate trade. Vaccination is the most effective tool available to prevent disease, minimise suffering, and reduce the spread of Bluetongue virus in exposed animals,” they added.  

The Ruminant Health and Welfare Group encourages farmers to use the range of Bluetongue-related resources freely available online at its bluetongue virus hub.

These include tools to aid vets and farmers in developing farm-specific strategies to protect their herds and flocks and make decisions on the use of BTV-3 vaccines.  

Chief veterinary officers said that they regularly review the situation and will adapt our guidance as evidence and circumstances evolve. 

Calls for united front

Following the recent news about new bluetongue controls in Wales, Tony Goodger, head of communications at AIMS, said that the association would like to see all GB governments come together and have a single approach to livestock movements. 

“We can manage BTV-3 through a joined-up approach and a single clear message to the ruminant livestock industry,” he concluded. 

READ MORE: Bluetongue restricted zone set to cover all of England

READ MORE: Wales: Concerns raised as new bluetongue controls have been announced

Read more livestock news. 

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The funding will deliver the next phase of a new National Biosecurity Centre, a cutting-edge scientific campus in Surrey that will serve as the UK’s foremost animal biosecurity facility. 

The investment is a part of the new National Security Strategy, which marks a step change in this country’s approach to securing British interests while also creating jobs, wages, and growth for the British people as part of the Government’s Plan for Change, Defra explained.  
 
Animal disease outbreaks represent a serious and increasing risk to public health, food security, and the UK economy. Approximately 60% of all known human infectious diseases are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted from animals to humans. 

Furthermore, about 75% of emerging infectious diseases originate in animals, making the fight against these diseases about human health and security too.  

Without strong and modernised biosecurity infrastructure, disease incursions could severely impact UK farmers, agricultural production, devastate rural communities and disrupt key supply chains.  

The export of livestock, meat and meat products, dairy and animal by-products is worth £16 billion per year alone to the UK economy. 

‘Farmers and food producers will now be better protected’

The funding will now enhance the country’s detection, surveillance and control capabilities for high-risk animal diseases, such as avian influenza, foot and mouth disease and African swine fever, whilst enhancing our ability to manage concurrent disease outbreaks. 

Environment secretary Steve Reed said that the first role of any government is national security. 

“That is why we are making a record investment into the nation’s biosecurity capabilities, and in turn our national security, after years of chronic underfunding. 

“Farmers and food producers will now be better protected from diseases, our food security strengthened, and public health better safeguarded against future pandemics. This government is getting on with delivering on our Plan for Change,” he continued. 

The new National Biosecurity Centre is set to play an essential role in addressing the full range of biological threats the country faces, including from hostile nations, and will ensure that the UK retains the scientific capability, infrastructure and expertise needed to lead international efforts to identify, manage, and mitigate disease threats in the years ahead, the government confirmed.   

The high containment laboratories for animal health, run by the Animal & Plant Health Agency at Weybridge in Surrey, urgently need renewal to handle escalating disease risks, which are growing in the face of our changing climate.  

The Labour government said that it inherited laboratories in poor condition with their long-term future in doubt and the country facing increased risk without action. 

The new facility will join a network of national centres set up by the Cabinet Office under the UK Biological Security Strategy and announced in the National Security Strategy.  

A spokesperson for Defra said that this new network of government laboratories provides a sovereign capability that keeps the public safe and is essential to responding to biological security risks. 
 
The network will strengthen and formalise existing collaborations between the UK Health Security Agency, the Animal and Plant Health Agency and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory. It will ensure we are better prepared for a crisis, can respond more effectively when an incident does happen and deliver a more holistic approach to biological research. 

Jenny Stewart, senior science director at the Animal and Plant Health Agency, concluded: “This funding is a vital milestone in the delivery of a world-leading facility that will protect the UK from animal disease threats for decades to come. 

“Our scientists and specialists at Weybridge are at the heart of the UK’s disease surveillance and response capability and provide a global centre of expertise.  

“Investment on this scale will enable them to continue their critical work in modern, fit-for-purpose facilities, supported by the very latest technologies.” 

Preparatory work at the Weybridge site is already underway. Planning Consent has been secured, and a contractor has been appointed to build the main new facilities. 

The first interim labs to support critical science while we transform the site will be ready in 2027 and 2028. The main construction works start in 2027, with the full NBC live and operational in 2033/34.   

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