How many sheep will you vaccinate against bluetongue in 2027?
A new survey is asking sheep farmers about how they plan to protect their flock from bluetongue in 2027, giving the industry an idea of how many vaccines will be needed next year.
The National Sheep Association (NSA) launched this survey as outbreaks of bluetongue continue to impact sheep farmers across the UK.
With over 1,000 sheep already infected during the current bluetongue season, NSA noted that the "high volume of cases has led to supply challenges" for the vaccine.
Through the survey's findings, the farm organisation stated that it will be working with manufacturers, veterinary surgeons and the government to "make sure that shortage is not repeated" next year.
Survey
NSA outlined that the survey is designed to "provide a strong indication of demand" for vaccines that will influence manufacturers' decisions.
Chief executive of the NSA, Phil Stocker said: "Manufacturers cannot be expected to produce an unlimited volume of vaccine on the strength of good intentions.
"They need indications of numbers and also a level of commitment.
"This survey is our chance to give them those numbers, and to do it early enough to make a difference to what gets made."
Along with vaccine numbers, the survey asks farmers whether they would be prepared to place an advance order through their vet this autumn, and what conditions they would need to see met before committing.
NSA highlighted that the survey also questions farmers about whether they would seek out vaccinated sheep when buying in, and whether they would expect to be paid more for selling stock they can confirm as vaccinated.
If a market preference for protected sheep is emerging, the organisation noted that this trend "shapes vaccination decisions in a way that disease risk alone does not".
Findings
According to the NSA, the combined findings from the survey will be published and shared directly with industry leaders.
Stocker commented: "NSA are not asking farmers to sign anything or spend anything today.
"NSA are asking them to be honest about what they expect to do, so that the people making supply decisions have something solid to work from."
It reportedly takes less than five minutes to complete the survey, with responses remaining confidential.
The survey is open until September 13, 2026 and can found on the NSA website.
