Bluetongue: APHA claims performance around outbreak has been 'outstanding'

By 23 September, 1,832 cases of bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) had been confirmed across the UK.

British Bluetongue vaccine supplies “became constrained” last month, Government agencies admitted, however they claimed that their response to the outbreak was “outstanding”.

This was revealed in a letter from Richard Lewis, CEO of the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), and Abi Seager, CEO of the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) to MPs.

The pair were responding to questions from the chair of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee Alistair Carmichael as to whether the agencies were “asleep at the wheel”.

By 23 September, 1,832 cases of bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) had been confirmed across the UK.

The vast majority are in the South West, however positive cases have now been confirmed in North, West and East Yorkshire, with more coming every day.

Sheep face the highest risk of illness and death, while milk and meat from infected animals remain safe to eat.

Mr Carmichael said: “This has been a summer of heartbreak and anxiety for farmers and livestock keepers who fear for the wellbeing of their animals as much as the viability of their businesses.

“These sectors were already feeling immense pressure from droughts, heatwaves and wildfires as this disease began to spread.

“There is widespread sentiment that our state agencies have been asleep at the wheel, and that more could and should have been done before and during this outbreak.

“The National Audit Office published a report in June 2025 that warned our country would be caught off guard if an event like this occurred.

“We now want to understand what was done in response to that report, what plans were in place, why vaccine and testing capacity have been so limited, and what lessons have been learnt along the way.”

In their response, published this week, Mr Lewis and Ms Seager said: “It is indeed one of the first, large scale outbreaks since the NAO report last year.

Whilst no one welcomes this test, it has proved vital in demonstrating how various partners have come together and the lessons we have learned so far to address the handling and impact on the sector.

“The performance of all the teams involved including the operational teams in APHA have been outstanding.

“It is important this is recognised in what has been a sustained, and demanding environment for all involved.”

Defra has consistently maintained that the best protection against bluetongue is vaccination.

However, the letter admits that British produced vaccine supplies “became constrained by mid-August”.

It says that “Defra and VMD have worked with vaccine manufacturers to enable additional supplies of EU-authorised vaccines to be brought into GB”.

Ms Seager said: “VMD recognises that interruptions to vaccine supply have become an increasing concern.”

She added: “Success will require a multisector, multistakeholder approach, which VMD will champion and co-ordinate.”