Boehringer Ingelheim accelerates efforts to secure bluetongue vaccine stock for UK amid rising outbreak threat

As the 2026/27 bluetongue outbreak gains momentum, Boehringer Ingelheim is expediting the procurement of vaccines to protect vulnerable UK livestock, amid growing concerns over warmer weather facilitating virus spread.

Boehringer Ingelheim is pressing ahead with efforts to secure extra bluetongue vaccine supplies for the UK as the 2026/27 outbreak gathers pace, saying immunisation remains the most effective way to protect vulnerable livestock.

According to Defra, England has recorded 21 confirmed BTV-3 cases since the new season began on 1 July, with warmer weather increasing the likelihood of midge-borne spread. Farmers Guide reported the first case of the season was detected in an ewe in Staffordshire on 10 July, with no cases yet confirmed in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.

Dr Sioned Timothy, Boehringer Ingelheim’s technical services manager for livestock, said farmers worried about their animals should speak to their vet first and stressed that the company was working “at pace” to improve access to prevention.

The company said it was working with Defra, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate and industry partners to complete the regulatory steps needed to bring in additional doses as quickly as possible.

Ireland’s Department of Agriculture has also urged livestock owners to stay alert, noting that immunity takes around six weeks to develop in cattle and three weeks in sheep after vaccination. Officials say temperatures above 12C for a sustained period allow the virus to replicate inside midges, sustaining transmission.