The health and resilience of our flock are at the heart of everything we do. Recent outbreaks of bluetongue across Europe have reinforced the importance of proactive disease management, leading us to make a significant investment in vaccinating our sheep. While this is a costly step, it is essential in protecting not only our livestock but also the future of our breeding program and the wider industry.
Bluetongue is a viral disease transmitted by biting midges, affecting sheep, cattle, and other ruminants. While it does not spread directly from animal to animal, its impact can be devastating, causing fever, swelling, mouth ulcers, and, in severe cases, death.
Recent outbreaks in Europe have raised serious concerns for UK farmers. In November 2023, DEFRA reported the presence of Bluetongue Serotype 3 (BTV-3) in Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands, since then it has spread across Europe attributing to the loss of tens of thousands of sheep. By August 2024, the first UK case of the season was confirmed in Norfolk, prompting a 20km temporary control zone to contain its spread to be created. These developments highlight the ongoing risks posed by bluetongue and the importance of taking preventive action.
Adding to the concerns, Germany recently identified a new threat of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), raising alarms for livestock farmers across Europe. As so many of the farming community know, the economic and welfare consequences of an outbreak are catastrophic, leading to mass culls, trade restrictions, and lasting damage to farming businesses.
With movement restrictions and biosecurity measures already tightening in response, UK farmers must remain vigilant. Though FMD has not reached our shores, the rapid spread of diseases like Bluetongue serves as a stark reminder of how vulnerable livestock farming can be without proactive health management.
Despite the devastating impact of diseases like bluetongue and foot-and-mouth, securing insurance coverage for them is increasingly difficult if not impossible. Many insurers are unwilling to provide policies against these risks, leaving farmers to bear the full financial burden of an outbreak. This lack of coverage means that a single outbreak could decimate a flock, disrupt breeding programs, and cause long-term financial losses.
Faced with this reality, we knew we had to take matters into our own hands. Rather than waiting for the worst to happen, we’ve chosen to invest heavily in disease prevention and genetic preservation.
Not content with sitting back, we have taken a proactive approach to both.
Recognising the severity of the threat, we have committed significant resources to vaccinate our sheep against bluetongue. This will not only protect our own flock but also help reduce the overall risk of disease spread within the farming community.
We have also taken the step of freezing and storing our flock’s genetic material. This ensures that even in the worst-case scenario, where disease outbreaks impact breeding stock, we can continue to maintain our resilient bloodlines and safeguard the genetic progress we have made over the years.
Bluetongue is just one of many challenges that livestock farmers face in an increasingly unpredictable world. Climate change, emerging diseases, and shifting regulations mean that resilience in farming is more critical than ever. At Resilient Romneys, our commitment to sustainable breeding practices, disease prevention, and genetic preservation reflects our long-term vision for UK sheep farming.
While insurance may not be an option, investing in proactive health management and tight bio-security is. By taking these measures, we are not only protecting our own farm but also contributing to the overall sustainability and security of British agriculture.
For more information on our breeding programs and sustainable farming practices, get in touch with us.
