Latest on Bluetongue

Bluetongue continues to present a significant challenge for livestock farmers across the UK. Farmers Weekly brings together the latest news, expert insight and practical guidance to help farmers understand the risks and make informed decisions. From recognising symptoms and understanding how the disease spreads, to vaccination, livestock movements and the latest government guidance, this campaign provides a trusted source of information as the situation develops. Explore our in-depth video, latest coverage and essential resources to stay up to date with the latest developments and understand what bluetongue could mean for your farm.

Latest Bluetongue news

NEWS

Bluetongue vaccine stocks were diverted from UK to Europe

Bluetongue vaccine stocks were redirected from Britain to European markets earlier this year after low demand from farmers left manufacturers facing potential wastage. The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) confirmed that…

LIVESTOCK

Disease surveillance under strain as outbreaks surge

Serious livestock diseases could slip through the net as Britain’s animal health services struggle to cope with multiple outbreaks, MPs have been warned. The NFU raised concerns about disease surveillance…

LIVESTOCK DISEASES

Rare breed farmers struggle to access bluetongue vaccines

Farmers keeping rare breeds are struggling to access bluetongue vaccines, raising concerns about the threat the disease poses to vulnerable native livestock populations. The Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) has…

NEWS

Devon farmers to receive renewed support following bluetongue

Devon County Council has approved up to £180,000 over three years under its Rural Support and Wellbeing Programme, helping farmers facing the ongoing impacts of bluetongue disease. Starting in January,…

NEWS

Farmers warned against trading surplus bluetongue vaccines

Livestock farmers have been warned against trading leftover bluetongue vaccines, following reports of illegal sales and exchanges on social media. The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) said vaccines obtained outside authorised…

NEWS

Bluetongue hits ram fertility hard in hotspot areas

Sheep farmers are being urged to fertility-test rams before tupping after a Devon veterinary practice found around half of those examined were infertile. The warning comes as bluetongue virus (BTV)…

NEWS

Sheep farmers signal strong BTV-3 vaccine demand for 2027

Sheep farmers are signalling strong demand for bluetongue vaccination next year after difficulties securing supplies during this year's rapidly expanding BTV-3 outbreak. A National Sheep Association (NSA) survey of more…

NEWS

Bluetongue restrictions extended to cover all of Scotland

Scotland’s bluetongue restricted zone will be extended to cover the whole country from Saturday 3 October, removing movement licence requirements for cattle, sheep and other susceptible livestock ahead of the…

Latest Bluetongue insights

NEWS

Bluetongue: Is the UK’s strategy keeping pace?

The rapid spread of bluetongue this summer has reignited the debate over whether government and industry have done enough to prepare for a disease that many now believe is becoming…

LIVESTOCK DISEASES

Low vaccination rate leaves livestock exposed to bluetongue

With bluetongue disease knocking on the door, and with less than 3% of the nation’s ruminant livestock vaccinated, government and private vets are urging a much more rapid uptake of…

HEALTH AND WELFARE

Analysis: What farmers need to know about bluetongue

The current outbreak of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) is likely to get worse in the coming weeks before it improves, warn industry leaders. Since the first case in this…

LIVESTOCK

Q&A: All you need to know about bluetongue disease

With bluetongue disease on the increase again in mainland Europe and with midge activity expected to gather pace as the weather warms up, Farmers Weekly spoke to Defra deputy chief…

Other resources

Interactive map

Interactive map of Bluetongue Cases & Zones provided by Animal & Plant Health Agency.

View interactive map

Defra situation

Overview of current bluetongue cases, risk level, vaccinations and restrictions.

View situation

AHDB hub

The latest updates, news and advice about the current bluetongue virus (BTV) situation in the UK.

Visit hub

How to spot

The signs of bluetongue virus, how you must report it and what happens when you do.

Read guide