Urge Defra to establish a funded national plan to control Bluetongue BTV-3
Urge Defra to establish a funded national plan to control Bluetongue BTV-3
The Issue
The Threat Facing British Agriculture
Bluetongue Virus Serotype 3 (BTV-3) represents an existential threat to UK livestock farming. Transmitted primarily by Culicoides midges, BTV-3 causes devastating illness, high mortality, severe welfare issues, and long-term reproductive damage in cattle, sheep, and other ruminants.
For livestock owners across the country, an outbreak isn't just a statistical risk—it threatens total financial disruption, mental health crises, and long-term damage to national food security. While farmers work tirelessly on individual biosecurity, on-farm action alone cannot stop a vector-borne disease. We need a coordinated, government-backed national strategy.
Our Demands to the UK Government and Defra
We call on Defra to immediately collaborate with farmers, veterinary experts, scientists, and the livestock industry to deliver the following actions:
Convene an Urgent National Strategy Meeting
Bring together industry stakeholders, veterinary leaders, and government officials before December 2026 to establish a unified response.
Publish a Funded Vaccination & Surveillance Plan
Lay out a fully funded vaccination rollout and monitoring strategy prior to the 2027 vector season to protect herds and flocks before midge activity peaks.
Set Measurable Targets & Enhance Surveillance
Establish clear national targets for vaccination coverage and disease monitoring, including active tracking of midges, virus strains, and regional transmission risks.
Commission a Comprehensive Economic Impact Assessment
Conduct a robust study into animal mortality, reduced fertility, reproductive losses, and the wider financial impact on rural businesses and supply chains.
Provide Infrastructure & Biosecurity Support
Ensure grant funding (such as the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund) supports practical on-farm containment, isolation handling systems, and digital traceability (EID integration).
Deliver a Clear Path to Disease-Free Status
Publish a long-term strategic roadmap to systematically reduce transmission and return the UK to recognised disease-free status.
Read the Full Policy Proposal: Bluetongue BTV-3 Campaign
Why Your Signature Matters
Our livestock producers work around the clock to maintain world-leading animal welfare standards and keep high-quality food on our tables. They cannot fight Bluetongue BTV-3 in isolation.
By signing this petition, you are telling Defra that protecting British livestock, food security, and rural livelihoods must be an immediate national priority.
Please sign today and share this petition across your farming networks!
45
The Issue
The Threat Facing British Agriculture
Bluetongue Virus Serotype 3 (BTV-3) represents an existential threat to UK livestock farming. Transmitted primarily by Culicoides midges, BTV-3 causes devastating illness, high mortality, severe welfare issues, and long-term reproductive damage in cattle, sheep, and other ruminants.
For livestock owners across the country, an outbreak isn't just a statistical risk—it threatens total financial disruption, mental health crises, and long-term damage to national food security. While farmers work tirelessly on individual biosecurity, on-farm action alone cannot stop a vector-borne disease. We need a coordinated, government-backed national strategy.
Our Demands to the UK Government and Defra
We call on Defra to immediately collaborate with farmers, veterinary experts, scientists, and the livestock industry to deliver the following actions:
Convene an Urgent National Strategy Meeting
Bring together industry stakeholders, veterinary leaders, and government officials before December 2026 to establish a unified response.
Publish a Funded Vaccination & Surveillance Plan
Lay out a fully funded vaccination rollout and monitoring strategy prior to the 2027 vector season to protect herds and flocks before midge activity peaks.
Set Measurable Targets & Enhance Surveillance
Establish clear national targets for vaccination coverage and disease monitoring, including active tracking of midges, virus strains, and regional transmission risks.
Commission a Comprehensive Economic Impact Assessment
Conduct a robust study into animal mortality, reduced fertility, reproductive losses, and the wider financial impact on rural businesses and supply chains.
Provide Infrastructure & Biosecurity Support
Ensure grant funding (such as the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund) supports practical on-farm containment, isolation handling systems, and digital traceability (EID integration).
Deliver a Clear Path to Disease-Free Status
Publish a long-term strategic roadmap to systematically reduce transmission and return the UK to recognised disease-free status.
Read the Full Policy Proposal: Bluetongue BTV-3 Campaign
Why Your Signature Matters
Our livestock producers work around the clock to maintain world-leading animal welfare standards and keep high-quality food on our tables. They cannot fight Bluetongue BTV-3 in isolation.
By signing this petition, you are telling Defra that protecting British livestock, food security, and rural livelihoods must be an immediate national priority.
Please sign today and share this petition across your farming networks!
Petition Updates
Share this petition
Petition created on 26 August 2026