Bluetongue virus outbreaks impact livestock in Ireland and the UK

Bluetongue virus outbreaks are causing significant impact on livestock across Ireland and the United Kingdom. In Ireland, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) confirmed six new cases on October 1, 2026, expanding the virus's footprint into Dublin, Waterford, and Roscommon. DAFM data indicates that cattle are being affected more frequently than sheep. Clinical symptoms include mouth ulcers, lameness, excessive salivation, and crusty noses or teats.

In the United Kingdom, farmers are facing the most severe season on record. For the 2026-2027 season, Defra has recorded 2,201 cases, with 1,103 occurring in September alone. This total surpasses the number of cases from the previous three seasons combined. The current strain, serotype 3 (BTV-3), is transmitted by biting midges, a trend academics link to rising temperatures caused by climate change.

While the virus poses no threat to human health or food safety, the economic impact on farming is substantial. The National Farmers’ Union has noted that while vaccination is an option, securing supplies has been challenging due to the demand-led nature of the process.