Kent Wildlife Trust to vaccinate livestock against bluetongue

As cases of bluetongue begin to rise, Kent Wildlife Trust has taken the decisive step to vaccinate its livestock against it, safeguarding the health of its sheep and breeding cattle.

This measure will help mitigate potential devastating losses and ensure the Trust can continue delivering its vital conservation and wilder grazing projects across its nature reserves.

Bluetongue is a viral disease transmitted by midges, spreading across Europe. With climate change contributing to the wider range of midges capable of overwintering further north, experts predict that 2025 will be a pivotal year in the disease becoming established in the UK.

Livestock veterinarians warn that unvaccinated sheep flocks across Europe are currently experiencing losses of 30-50%, with significant mortality also reported in calves born to unvaccinated mothers.

Bluetongue has been compared to COVID-19 due to its flu and pneumonia like symptoms. However, its current high mortality rate is largely because it’s a novel disease, and animals have not yet developed natural immunity. Over time, as immunity builds, it is expected that there will be a decline in fatalities. In the meantime, Kent Wildlife Trust are committed to supporting vulnerable species with vaccination to help them through this critical early stage. This is especially important for animals which play a vital role in rewilding efforts and ecosystem restoration.

Kent is currently within bluetongue restricted zone with the government’s case map showing multiple outbreaks in Kent since August 2024.

Recognising the substantial risk posed by the disease, the charity has weighed the potential impact on its livestock, finances, and conservation efforts concluding that replacing rare breed sheep alone would come at considerable expense. 

Beyond financial concerns, the welfare of the Trust’s dedicated volunteers, who check on the flocks and herds daily, is a key consideration. The emotional toll of losing large numbers of animals under their care could undermine the sustainability of the charity’s conservation grazing initiatives. 

Many of Kent’s Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) rely on conservation grazing to maintain their biodiversity, and a reduction in livestock numbers could severely hinder those efforts.

Given the high risks and availability of an effective vaccine, Kent Wildlife Trust has committed to vaccinating its sheep and breeding cattle. The vaccine, which costs approximately £3 per sheep and £6 per cow, as cattle require two doses three weeks apart, is expected to significantly reduce losses, providing critical protection against the disease.

Tthe vaccination program is around will cost several thousand pounds. Specialist veterinary advice has confirmed that vaccinating by May and June will be essential in providing the best protection before bluetongue cases surge.