Bluetongue cases rise as farmers urged to stay alert

Farmers are being urged to monitor livestock closely after 24 cases of BTV-3 bluetongue were confirmed across the UK since 1 July.

The latest figures show 21 cases in England and three in Wales during the 2026-27 bluetongue “season”, with no confirmed cases in Scotland or Northern Ireland.

Great Britain recorded 348 cases during the 2025-26 outbreak.

See also: West Wales bluetongue case sparks vaccine reminder

Recent English cases include three ewes in Devon showing clinical signs such as crusty muzzles, nasal discharge, ulcers on the dental pad, lameness and lethargy.

In Somerset, infected cattle displayed lameness, muzzle redness, mouth ulcers and lethargy.

In Wales, a calf in Newport tested positive on 21 July without showing clinical signs, while a cow in Powys was identified through private testing linked to an embryo transfer programme.

Rising cases

Bluetongue is a viral disease spread by biting midges that affects cattle, sheep, goats, deer and camelids.

There is no treatment and, in some cases, the disease can be fatal.

Wales’ chief veterinary officer, Richard Irvine, said more cases were expected as the active transmission period continues.

“As livestock movement restrictions between England and Wales were removed under the all-Wales Restricted Zone in November 2025, safe sourcing of livestock is crucial,” he added.

National Sheep Association chief executive Phil Stocker told Farmers Weekly: “We’re at a turning point. A week or two ago it had fallen off people’s agendas, but the last two weeks have seen an expansion of positive cases reported.”

He said farmers should be “very aware of the situation” and consider vaccination, adding: “It is a cost, but with sheep values where they are at the moment, you don’t want to lose money.”

Defra continues to fund diagnostic testing for up to three affected animals where bluetongue is suspected and reported.

Vaccination

Dr Irvine urged keepers to discuss vaccination with their vet, describing it as “the best way to protect herds and flocks from the impacts of disease”, while also encouraging farmers to consider the bluetongue status of replacement stock before purchase.

North Wales sheep farmer Geraint Davies, who keeps 800 ewes near Bala, is vaccinating his increasingly home-bred flock with advice from his vet.

“We are responding to a changing climate, which means we could see a higher midge population up here (farming at 2,000ft), and we want to be sure the flock is protected and resilient towards any future threats of the disease.”

Livestock keepers are being advised to remain vigilant for signs of disease and report suspected cases promptly to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.