The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) is set to host a meeting to allow levy payers to hear from industry professionals about bluetongue.
The body has highlighted the importance of farmers in Wales speaking to local vets to source vaccines and ensure livestock is protected, as bluetongue cases continue to rise across sheep, beef and dairy herds.
AHDB is hosting a number of meetings to give levy payers practical information and support related to the disease, including a meeting hosted at Carmarthen Livestock Mart on Thursday 27th August.
This comes as AHDB’s bluetongue tracker recorded 456 confirmed cases across the UK in the 2026-2027 season as of 17th August, with 439 cases in England.
Devon, Cornwall and Somerset remain the hardest hit, said AHDB, but confirmed cases now stretch as far north as Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and East Riding of Yorkshire. There are also 13 confirmed cases in Wales and four in Scotland.
Dr Mandy Nevel, AHDB head of animal health and welfare, stated: “For many farmers, the current outbreak is no longer a distant concern. It’s happening now, in livestock systems across the country, and we anticipate disease pressure could peak during September.
“Against this backdrop, vaccination remains the single most effective tool available to help protect vulnerable animals. I appreciate vaccination has been the subject of much discussion over recent weeks, with challenges around vaccine availability. Those concerns are understandable. Demand has increased significantly as the outbreak has expanded, creating pressure across the supply chain.
“Despite these difficulties, the key message remains clear: It is not too late to vaccinate.”
AHDB’s head of dairy engagement, Jamie McCoy, added: “We understand many farmers will have questions about this virus that experts can help to answer, which is why we are holding our event at Carmarthen Livestock Mart.
“This is an extremely worrying and stressful time for farmers affected by the disease. AHDB is continuing to provide support and practical guidance to the industry. As well as AHDB’s regional managers, farmers can contact the AHDB bluetongue virus hotline on 0247 771 0386. It is open Monday to Friday 09:00 BST to 17:00 BST or they can also visit the AHDB website for further information and advice.”
To register your interest in a meeting, click here.
